Psychological impact of pre-eclampsia screening
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation of the psychological impact of being screened as high risk of developing pre-eclampsia
IRAS ID
146591
Contact name
Ana Nikcevic
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kingston University
Research summary
Many studies to date have examined the impact of antenatal screening for conditions that affect the fetus (e.g. Down’s syndrome) but there are only few studies which have examined the psychological impact of screening for conditions that affect maternal health.Introduction of novel screening tests is endorsed in the UK if the benefits outweigh any physical and psychological harm. It is therefore important to establish the psychological impact of the proposed screening for pre-eclampsia in women identified as high-risk prior to this screening being widely introduced. This research will examine possible adverse effects of pre-eclampsia screening by comparing women's experience of pregnancy and perceptions of health and well-being in those who are identified as high risk to those identified as low risk for pre-eclampsia. All pregnant women who take part in screening for pre-eclampsia at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy will be invited to take part in the study. Both women in the 'high-risk' and those in the 'low-risk' group will be asked to fill in questionnaires of mood, perceptions of own health, worries about own and baby's health at three points during their pregnancy (during their antenatal visits at 11-13 weeks, at 20-24 weeks and at 30-34 weeks). Women in the high risk group taking part in the ASPRE trial will also be invited to complete additional questionnaires of personality, coping, their beliefs concerning pre-eclampsia, and the adherence to aspirin. A small selection of women who take/refuse part in the screening and the ASPRE trial will also be invited to take part in an interview study to explore their experience of screening, the meaning they give to their risk-status and of their experience of pregnancy. Data collection will last approximately 18 months.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1238
Date of REC Opinion
13 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion