Preconception carrier screening in the Netherlands: high societal support, low perceived risk

Abstract

Background: In the Netherlands no national program for preconception carrier screening exists. Since the beginning of this millennium many studies showed that various societal groups were keen to welcome such a program into Dutch society. Healthcare professionals too were found to be positive. Despite this, a preconception screening program has not been implemented. In order to complement the lack of necessary evidence we investigated the opinion of the general Dutch population about offering preconception screening to the entire Dutch population as standard care. Methods: a short structured questionnaire was send to 1600 members of the NIVEL Dutch Healthcare Consumer Panel, representing the general Dutch population, asking after attitude towards preconception screening, willingness to participate, costs, and risk perception. Results: 803 people filled out the questionnaire (52% males, 33% reproductive age group).They were positive towards implementing preconception screening into Dutch society, describing this as good, useful and progress. They felt it might prevent future parents from serious grief, and would not increase anxiety nor the feeling that the birth of a child with a genetic disorder is unacceptable. However, only 18% believed themselves to be a carrier of any genetic disorder. Discussion: Even though the general Dutch population was found to be highly positive regarding the introduction of a preconception screening program as standard care, only very few expressed the intention to participate in such a program, since most participants did not perceive themselves at risk for being a carrier of any genetic disorder.