835 CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF): KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARD PRENATAL DX (PND) AMONG PARENTS (PAR); AUNTS & UNCLES (A&U);HEALTH PROFESSIONALS; AND CLERGY (CL)

Abstract

We have examined knowledge of CF and its genetics, perceptions of burden, and attitudes toward family planning and the use of CF-PND and carrier screening (HD) in 27 CF Center physicians (CF-MD); 55 ancillary Center staff (ST); 362 ehiIdbearing-age parents (PAR) of 214 children with CF; 245 aunts and uncles of these children (A&U); 80 family MD's (LMD); and 58 clergymen (CL) serving these families. Health professionals (CF-MD, LMD, ST) highly favor PND for CF (100%, 95%, and 96% respectively). PAR and A&U also favor this option (S2%, 81%) while CL are less favorable (55%). HD also is highly desireable to all groups. Significant associations (p<0.02) were found between PAR attitudes toward PND of CF and: religion, religiosity, abortion attitudes, and number of children. PAR PND attitude was not influenced by: age, sex, prior death of a child with CF, education, family history, or CF burden. A&U perceived CF as more serious, burdensome, and emotionally stressful than PAR (p<0.0001). Increased knowledge of CF and its genetics, and acknowledged interaction with CF families (among non-Catholic CL) correlate highly (r=0.85) with more favorable attitudes toward PND. Wide utilization of such technologies is anticipated.

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