Factors affecting the utilization of genetic counseling services among Israeli Arab women.

Sharkia R1, Tarabeia J, Zalan A, Atamany E, Athamna M, Allon-Shalev S.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the factors associated with utilization of genetic counseling services among pregnant Israeli Arab women.

METHODS:

A case-control study was conducted among 414 pregnant Arab women who were referred by a family physician or a perinatologist to genetic counseling services between 2008 and 2011. Data was collected using interviews, with both groups: " users" and " non-users" of genetic counseling, based on a structured questionnaire included demographic, socio-economic, medical and cultural variables.

RESULTS:

In multivariate analysis, factors affecting women's utilization of genetic counseling service were: high income level (OR 3.44, 95%CI 1.8-6.5, p < 0.001), high services accessibility (OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.67-0.84, p = 0.001), more positive attitude towards genetic counseling (OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.27-0.67, p = 0.012) and lower religiosity level (OR 1.40, 95%CI 0.94-2.09, p = 0.04). However, when we examined the following variable: pregnant woman's age, woman's education, consanguinity and pregnancy' age, knowledge level and the perspective towards abortion, no significant differences were found between the " Users" and " Non-Users" groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

The under-utilization of genetic counseling services among pregnant Israeli Arab women was associated with: lower income level, attitude towards genetic counseling, accessibility to service and religiosity. Thus, it is advisable to expand genetic counseling service within this community. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.