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Original Article
Online Published: 15 Jun 2026
 


Women’s decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing in Saudi Arabia: influence of cultural, religious beliefs and sources of information

Shomokh Alnefaie, Maya Alasmary, Lamyaa Alsaeedi, Raghad Alyoubi, Yasir Katib, Samah Himayda.


Abstract
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the influence of cultural and religious beliefs on decision-making, identify sources of information, and determine barriers affecting the uptake of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 435 women in Saudi Arabia using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, beliefs, barriers, information sources, and confidence in decision-making. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were applied to evaluate factors associated with moderate–high confidence.
Results:
Most participants were aged 18–35 years (n=322, 74.0%) and held a bachelor’s degree (n=290, 66.7%). Willingness to undergo testing was reported by 289 (66.4%), and 307 (70.6%) would recommend it to others. Information-seeking was high, with 379 (87.1%) desiring detailed fetal health information. Religious considerations were notable, with 291 (66.9%) considering testing permissible and 288 (66.2%) seeking religious guidance. The main barriers included anxiety about positive results (n=304, 69.9%), miscarriage concerns (n=238, 54.7%), high cost (n=193, 44.4%), and inadequate counseling (n=197, 45.3%). Most women reported moderate confidence (n=230, 52.9%), while 154 (35.4%) were completely confident. Higher income (aOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.33–2.81) and area of residence (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.01–1.92) independently predicted greater confidence. Healthcare professionals were the primary information source (31.6%).
Conclusion:
Cultural and religious beliefs shaped decision-making without limiting acceptance of NIPT. Psychological, financial, and informational barriers reduced confidence. Strengthening counseling, improving affordability, and expanding access might enhance informed and equitable utilization of NIPT.

Key words: Women, decision-making, non-invasive prenatal testing, Saudi Arabia, religious beliefs, sources of information


 
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Pubmed Style

Alnefaie S, Alasmary M, Alsaeedi L, Alyoubi R, Katib Y, Himayda S. Women’s decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing in Saudi Arabia: influence of cultural, religious beliefs and sources of information. IJMDC. Online First: 15 Jun, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770747113

Web Style

Alnefaie S, Alasmary M, Alsaeedi L, Alyoubi R, Katib Y, Himayda S. Women’s decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing in Saudi Arabia: influence of cultural, religious beliefs and sources of information. https://www.ijmdc.com/?mno=310023 [Access: June 27, 2026]. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770747113

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Alnefaie S, Alasmary M, Alsaeedi L, Alyoubi R, Katib Y, Himayda S. Women’s decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing in Saudi Arabia: influence of cultural, religious beliefs and sources of information. IJMDC. Online First: 15 Jun, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770747113


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Alnefaie S, Alasmary M, Alsaeedi L, Alyoubi R, Katib Y, Himayda S. Women’s decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing in Saudi Arabia: influence of cultural, religious beliefs and sources of information. IJMDC, [cited June 27, 2026]; Online First: 15 Jun, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770747113


Harvard Style

Alnefaie, S., Alasmary, . M., Alsaeedi, . L., Alyoubi, . R., Katib, . Y. & Himayda, . S. (2026) Women’s decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing in Saudi Arabia: influence of cultural, religious beliefs and sources of information. IJMDC, Online First: 15 Jun, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770747113


Turabian Style

Alnefaie, Shomokh, Maya Alasmary, Lamyaa Alsaeedi, Raghad Alyoubi, Yasir Katib, and Samah Himayda. 2026. Women’s decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing in Saudi Arabia: influence of cultural, religious beliefs and sources of information. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, Online First: 15 Jun, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770747113


Chicago Style

Alnefaie, Shomokh, Maya Alasmary, Lamyaa Alsaeedi, Raghad Alyoubi, Yasir Katib, and Samah Himayda. "Women’s decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing in Saudi Arabia: influence of cultural, religious beliefs and sources of information." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries Online First: 15 Jun, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770747113


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Alnefaie, Shomokh, Maya Alasmary, Lamyaa Alsaeedi, Raghad Alyoubi, Yasir Katib, and Samah Himayda. "Women’s decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing in Saudi Arabia: influence of cultural, religious beliefs and sources of information." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries Online First: 15 Jun, 2026. Web. 27 Jun 2026 doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770747113


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Alnefaie, S., Alasmary, . M., Alsaeedi, . L., Alyoubi, . R., Katib, . Y. & Himayda, . S. (2026) Women’s decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing in Saudi Arabia: influence of cultural, religious beliefs and sources of information. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, Online First: 15 Jun, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770747113




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