Assessment Of Parental Knowledge Information-Seeking and Information-Providing Regarding Newborn And Infant Screening Examinations
Author(s)
Ilona Karácsony, PhD1, Mónika Ferenczy, BSc, MSc2, Kitti Máté-Póhr, BSc, MSc2, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD3, Laszlo Szabo, MSc2, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD2, Kálmánné Komlósi, BSc, MSc1.
1Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
1Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of our research was to examine parental knowledge, information-seeking behavior, and the level of information received regarding newborn and infant screening examinations, as well as the interrelation of these factors and the influence of sociodemographic variables.
METHODS: In 2025, we conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional study via an online platform (N=100) using a self-developed questionnaire. Our target group included individuals interested in the topic, with responses expected from parents affected by these screenings. Data analysis involved correlation calculations and t-tests (p<0.05), performed using MS Excel and SPSS 26.0 software.
RESULTS: Knowledge regarding newborn screenings (mean=7.7) was lower than that of infant screenings (mean =10.2), and in both cases, the level of knowledge was independent of respondents’ educational background or place of residence (p>0.05). Younger participants had significantly higher knowledge of newborn screenings (p<0.05). Information-seeking regarding newborn (mean =2.69) and infant (mean =2.65) screenings was at a similar level and did not significantly affect the actual knowledge level (p>0.05). Neither age, education, nor place of residence influenced the degree of information-seeking (p>0.05). The quality of information provided was generally considered good, and this positively influenced individual information-seeking (p<0.05). Parents whose child had an issue detected during screening were not more likely to seek information (p>0.05). Participants with higher education assessed their knowledge of screenings more positively (p<0.05). A correlation was found between the extent of information-seeking and perceived knowledge (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Parental knowledge about newborn screenings needs reinforcement. It is recommended to provide all affected parents with broad, multi-channel information regardless of sociodemographic factors, as this serves as a motivating factor and enhances further information-seeking behavior in this field. Effective communication from healthcare professionals is key in the context of screening examinations.
METHODS: In 2025, we conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional study via an online platform (N=100) using a self-developed questionnaire. Our target group included individuals interested in the topic, with responses expected from parents affected by these screenings. Data analysis involved correlation calculations and t-tests (p<0.05), performed using MS Excel and SPSS 26.0 software.
RESULTS: Knowledge regarding newborn screenings (mean=7.7) was lower than that of infant screenings (mean =10.2), and in both cases, the level of knowledge was independent of respondents’ educational background or place of residence (p>0.05). Younger participants had significantly higher knowledge of newborn screenings (p<0.05). Information-seeking regarding newborn (mean =2.69) and infant (mean =2.65) screenings was at a similar level and did not significantly affect the actual knowledge level (p>0.05). Neither age, education, nor place of residence influenced the degree of information-seeking (p>0.05). The quality of information provided was generally considered good, and this positively influenced individual information-seeking (p<0.05). Parents whose child had an issue detected during screening were not more likely to seek information (p>0.05). Participants with higher education assessed their knowledge of screenings more positively (p<0.05). A correlation was found between the extent of information-seeking and perceived knowledge (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Parental knowledge about newborn screenings needs reinforcement. It is recommended to provide all affected parents with broad, multi-channel information regardless of sociodemographic factors, as this serves as a motivating factor and enhances further information-seeking behavior in this field. Effective communication from healthcare professionals is key in the context of screening examinations.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH22
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Pediatrics