The Influence of the Biological Father’s Participation in Antenatal Genetic Group Counseling on Pregnant Females’ Scores on Tests of Vital Knowledge Relating to Pregnancy

Background: Antenatal counseling has increased females’ awareness of preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth . This study was conducted to compare the ratio of pregnant women who have knowledge score improvement after prenatal genetic group counseling, with a focus on pregnant women who attend counseling with/without their partner, to identify other possible factors that influence the knowledge improvement and to evaluate the knowledge score regarding common genetic diseases such as Thalassemia and trisomy 21 and their knowledge of pregnancy care such as ultrasonographic structural screening and cesarean delivery. Methods: : A prospective cohort study was conducted. Pregnant women who attended antenatal genetic group counseling (AGGC) were assessed for their knowledge level by using a self-questionnaire prior to and immediately after genetic group counseling. Results: : 553 pregnant women were enrolled. 310 and 243 participants attended the AGGC without and with their partner, respectively. The ratio of the participants who had increased their overall knowledge score was significantly higher in the AGGC for those who were with their partner than without. The improvement was not significantly different when other clinical factors were considered. No variable apart from the AGGC with or without one’s partner was identified as influencing the improvement in overall knowledge. The median of the knowledge score regarding trisomy 21 among all the participants was lower than for the other topics and did not improve after the AGGC. Conclusion: Paternal involved in the AGGC positively influenced the pregnant females’ knowledge score when comparing the scores prior to and immediately after the AGGC. Trial registration: Srinakharinwirot University (SWUEC/E-471/2563) and Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR 20210324002)