Midwives' approach to genetic diseases and genetic counseling in Denizli, Turkey.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate Denizli midwives' self-reported knowledge of genetic diseases and genetic counseling. Data was collected on forms that obtained information about midwives approaches to basic genetics, genetic disorders, and genetic counseling (response rate = 70.1%). The highest response rate of midwives describing themselves as "knowledgeable" about basic genetic information was for mitosis and meiosis with 4.8%, about genetic disorders was for phenylketonuria with 61.1%, and about genetic counseling was for recommending ultrasonography during pregnancy with 98.1%. The source for basic genetics information for 56.4% of participants was in their school level classes. None of the midwives felt that they had sufficient knowledge about genetic counseling or screening and 76.4% would like to attend an educational course. Even though the midwives have recognized their knowledge deficit they occasionally give genetic counseling. As a result of this study a genetics course is planned for midwives so they can actively participate in the prevention and early diagnosis of genetic diseases.
Tomatir
Ayşe Gaye
AG
Department of Medical Biology, Pamukkale University Medical Faculty, 20020, Denizli, Turkey. tomatir@pamukkale.edu.tr
Ozşahin
Aysun
A
Sorkun
Hülya Cetin
HC
Demirhan
Huriye
H
Akdağ
Beyza
B