Analysis of TORCH screening and prenatal risk assessment for childbearing-age women in different regions of China

Abstract Objective By conducting TORCH screening and risk assessment analysis on childbearing-age women in different regions of China, the aim is to provide reference for reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes and improving the health status of childbearing-age women. Methods Between February and May 2021, in the eastern, central, and western regions of China (Beijing, Henan, Gansu), a total of 1,942 couples aged 18 to 49, from both urban and rural areas, were included in this cross-sectional study. TORCH screening was conducted on all these women of childbearing-age, and risk assessment was performed based on the examination results. Result In this study, toxoplasmosis, rubella, CMV, HSV, IgM positive rate were 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.3%, respectively, and CT, TP, HBsAg, HCV, HIV, positive rate were 0.1%, 0.2%, 2.1%, 0.3%, 0.0%, respectively. The total TORCH screening identified 63.4% of women as having potential risks, compared to 15.5% of routine ToRCH screening. The distribution of the risk population shows significant differences among provinces, ethnicities, education levels, and age groups (p ≤ 0.001). Trend chi-square tests revealed that as the level of education increased, the proportion of the risk population decreased. Conclusions The TORCH screening utilized in this study demonstrates advantages over ToRCH, as it can identify more women of childbearing age with potential risks before pregnancy, allowing for early interventions. Simultaneously, these findings underscore the necessity for targeted health education, especially for young women in economically underdeveloped areas and those with relatively lower education levels.