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2026, Vol: 10, Issue: 7
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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. 2026; 10(7): 1784-1792. 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: July 08, 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. 2026; 10(7): 1784-1792. 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. (2026), [cited July 08, 2026]; 10(7): 1784-1792. 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, 10 (7), 1784-1792. 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, 10 (7), 1784-1792. 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 10 (2026), 1784-1792. 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 10.7 (2026), 1784-1792. Print. 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, 10 (7), 1784-1792. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1770747113




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