Background: Assessing the level of knowledge about Down Syndrome (DS) among the mothers of DS children might help in the development of effective strategies to increase the knowledge and awareness in general, and especially, in the areas of deficiencies. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered survey that was designed and modified to assess the DS children's mothers' knowledge during October 2018-January 2019. The surveys were distributed among eight care centers and completed by 211 mothers of DS children.
Results: The majority of the mothers had good knowledge about DS. There was no statically significant association between the knowledge and mothers sociodemographic characteristics. The majority of mothers had a good and favorable attitude toward their childrens condition. The postnatal diagnosis of DS was delivered by a nurse, pediatrician, and obstetrics/gynecology physician. While only a minority received a prenatal diagnosis, 90% of DS childrens mothers were multiparas.
Conclusions: Even though there was good knowledge about DS among mothers, the majority received the diagnosis of DS postnatal. This necessitates promoting awareness about the prenatal diagnostic test and prenatal genetic counseling specifically targeting older mothers and multiparas.
Key words: Knowledge, down syndrome, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, care centers.
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