Pregnant women's informational needs prior to decisions about prenatal diagnosis for chromosomal anomalies-A Q methodological study.

OBJECTIVE:To study pregnant women's subjective viewpoints on what is important when receiving information prior to decision-making regarding prenatal testing for chromosomal anomalies. METHOD:Data were collected using Q methodology. During January 2020-October 2021, 45 pregnant women in Sweden completed a 50-item Q sort. Statements regarding what is important when receiving information about prenatal screening and diagnosis were prioritized through ranking in a fixed sorting grid on an 11-point scale, from "most important" to "least important." Socio-demographics and coping styles were surveyed through questionnaires. RESULTS:Three groups represented different viewpoints on what pregnant women consider important when receiving information about prenatal screening and diagnosis. Factor 1: Stepwise information and decision-making: viewing information and decision-making as a step-by-step process. Factor 2: Decision-making as a continuous process based on couple autonomy: Striving for an informed decision as a couple about tests, test results and conditions screened. Factor 3: As much information as early as possible-the importance of personal autonomy in decision-making: Prioritizing autonomous decision-making based on non-directive information early in the pregnancy. CONCLUSION:This study highlights the complexities involved when providing information. As shown by the differing viewpoints in this study, pregnant women's informational needs differ, making individual and personalized information preferable.