Acceptance and attitudes towards carrier and prenatal screening for fragile X syndrome among reproductive-aged Thai women: a cross-sectional study

Objectives Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, but Thailand lacks a carrier screening programme. We assessed knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of FXS carrier and prenatal screening among reproductive-aged Thai women, exploring socio-demographic correlates.Methods This study was conducted at a drop-in clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a Tertiary Hospital, where eligible women watched a 3-min educational video, and then completed a questionnaire evaluating knowledge, screening acceptance, and four attitude domains (disclosure, policy, relationship, pregnancy continuation). Ordinal logistic regression analysed socio-demographic associations.Results Post-video, 87% of 772 women understood FXS well. Acceptance was substantial: 82% for carrier screening and 95% for prenatal investigation. Higher education was associated with greater knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–2.23) and policy support (aOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.35–2.48). Older age was associated with lower knowledge (aOR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–1.00), disclosure intent (aOR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–1.00), and agreement in continuing an affected pregnancy (aOR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99).Conclusion Brief educational interventions can support informed acceptance of FXS screening. To support the diverse reproductive options, Thailand should implement publicly funded voluntary screening with culturally sensitive genetic counselling.