Faculty Collaboration Database

Women's experience of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis: a qualitative study. Prenat Diagn 2010 Aug;30(8):771-7

Date

07/28/2010

Pubmed ID

20661891

DOI

10.1002/pd.2542

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-77955114299 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   32 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To provide an in-depth account of the experience of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

METHOD: Exploratory qualitative interview study. Participants were recruited from one major in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic in Sydney, Australia. Data were collected through 14 in-depth interviews with women at different stages of PGD, utilized a thematic approach and facilitated by NVivo software.

RESULTS: Women reported using PGD as empowering and led them to feel in control of their reproductive futures. Health professionals who did not tell women about PGD were seen as a barrier to accessing treatment. The ability to select embryos free from the genetic condition (for which it was at risk) alleviated stress. Despite this, stress experienced with PGD was significant for women, and often related to past experiences of reproductive trauma and grief. The outcome of embryos was also the cause of stress for women.

CONCLUSION: Women undergoing PGD have a diverse range of reproductive and genetic histories, psychosocial circumstances and world views that all interact and impact their experience of PGD. Successful support and care of these women should address all of these factors and tailor the support provided for women using this physically and emotionally complex form of reproductive technology.

Author List

Karatas JC, Barlow-Stewart K, Strong KA, Meiser B, McMahon C, Roberts C

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Attitude
Australia
Female
Genetic Diseases, Inborn
Humans
Pregnancy
Preimplantation Diagnosis
Prospective Studies