Role of affective temperaments on decision-making processes of preferring invasive karyotype tests

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between patient temperament and preference for invasive prenatal tests. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 337 pregnant women who had increased risk of having a fetus with Down syndrome. Their temperament profile was determined by using the temperament evaluation of TEMPS-A. Women were grouped as accepting (study) or declining (control) to perform an invasive test. Results: 284 pregnancies were included in the final analyzes. The study group had more likely employed and had a higher level of education level. There was no predominant temperament in 247 (87%) women. Hyperthymic temperament had the highest scores (11.2 +/- 4.1) among other four temperament types. Study group patients had lower scores for anxious and depressive temperaments compared with control groups. Conclusion: Women who had a less anxious or depressive personality were more likely to prefer an invasive prenatal test. In addition, employment and higher educational status were correlated with undergoing invasive prenatal testing.