Elective amniocentesis in low-risk pregnancies: Decision making in the era of information and uncertainty

Y. Lesser and J. Rabinowitz

American Journal of Public Health, 2001, vol. 91, issue 4, 639-641

Abstract: Objectives. Rational choice theory was applied to explain women's use of amniocentesis. Variables included knowledge about prenatal diagnostics, attitudes, and emotional preferences. Methods. Using structured instruments at 9 to 14 and at 29 to 34 weeks' gestation, we interviewed 232 Israeli women who had low-risk pregnancies. Results. Women who had elective amniocentesis (n=39) were more knowledgeable about prenatal diagnostics, risks of invasive procedures, and probability of fetal abnormality in high maternal age; had fewer children; and had less favorable attitudes toward parenthood than those who had medically indicated amniocentesis (n=57) and those who did not have amniocentesis (n=136). Conclusions. The use and possible overuse of amniocentesis were associated with having more information about prenatal diagnostics and definite emotional preferences.

Date: 2001
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2001:91:4:639-641_6

Access Statistics for this article

American Journal of Public Health is currently edited by Alfredo Morabia

More articles in American Journal of Public Health from American Public Health Association
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Christopher F Baum ().