Table 2 Thematic responses by participants according to ethnic sub-group

Muslim

Druze

Christian

Total

 1. Pre-counseling knowledge regarding genetics and genetic counseling

a) Had not heard of genetic counseling

4/6

3/6

1/6

8/18

b) Confusion between genetic screening tests and genetic counseling

5/6

5/6

3/6

13/18

c) Would expect increase awareness/understanding in community

2/6

3/6

2/6

7/18

 2. Negative conceptions of genetic testing and counseling

a) Unnecessary (only results in more questions)

3/6

2/6

2/6

7/18

b) Expect negative event and/or recommendation for termination of pregnancy

2/6

3/6

1/6

6/18

c) Ultrasound is more reliable

3/6

2/6

0/6

5/18

d) Folk stories of contradictions between genetic predictions and outcome of pregnancy

2/6

3/6

0/6

5/18

e) Negative attitude toward counseling due to family and community influence

3/6

3/6

2/6

8/18

f) Reassurance of healthy pregnancy

1/6

1/6

1/6

3/18

 3. Family involvement

a) Heavily involved

3/6

1/6

0/6

4/18

b) Sharing/supportive

1/6

0/6

3/6

4/18

 4. Spousal involvement in decision making

a) Joint discussion

3/6

3/6

2/6

8/18

b) Woman decides

3/6

4/6

5/6

12/18

c) Man decides

1/6

1/6

0/6

2/18

 5. Termination of pregnancy

a) Opposition due to conscience

3/6

2/6

1/6

6/18

b) Opposition due to culture/religion

3/6

5/6

1/6

9/18