Explaining low uptake for Down syndrome screening in the Netherlands: (and predicting utilisation of other programmes)

In the Netherlands, only a quarter of all pregnant women take part in the current Down syndrome screening(DSS) programme. Compared to other Northern European countries, Dutch uptake rates are very low. This thesis concentrates on the test-utilisation of DSS, in particular the factors impeding or enabling women to use this test. Both healthcare system factors and individual factors were studied with regard to their effect on utilisation, to understand the low Dutch uptake. Additionally, this study aimed at investigating future foetal and maternal screening tests and to reflect on future utilisa... Mehr ...