Conceptions on genetics in a group of college students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness, beliefs, and opinions on genetics in a group of Brazilian college students from several courses. The study used the focus group technique with the participation of 19 students, divided into four groups. Also, it used the isotopic reading technique to analyze the material. The results were divided in four themes: the basic knowledge of genetics, the "new genetics," including molecular biology and testing, genetic manipulation, and genetics and the media. The participants showed reasonable knowledge on the subject, obtained from various sources, including the printed press, the internet, documentaries, and fictional TV shows. Ethical issues were discussed comprehensively and the groups showed awareness on the hazards brought by genetic reductionism and the need to have some type of regulation regarding genetic manipulation and testing. It is necessary to broaden the debate about the progress in genetics because some of them will affect a significant number of people. This debate should include the lay public, which has been actively participating in decisions involving research and the use of new technologies.

Ethical, social, and cultural issues related to clinical genetic testing and counseling in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

“…[67][68][69] Fear and anxiety is associated with genetic testing, particularly related to the implications of a positive test result. 46,48,51,59,[70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82] Psychological distress affects extended family members. 46,67,71,74,76,[83][84][85][86][87][88][89] Individuals with a genetic diagnosis feel like a burden to their families, and experience guilt or blame.…”

“…For clinicians, a lack of knowledge about genetic diseases is a common barrier to their capacity in counseling patients. 51,70,99,100 Clinicians do not feel confident in providing information or counseling patients regarding genetic disease, 49,101 and can be dismissive when patients and families ask many follow-up questions. 70,102,103 Many clinicians report that their medical education in genetics was insufficient.…”

Effect of Application of Health Belief Model on females' Knowledge and Practice regarding the premarital counseling

“…Premarital education and couples counselling is to be some of the most effective prevention programs for couples as it considered a way to lower the chances of divorce and increase couple satisfaction after marriage (4). It can provide an opportunity to intervene according to the identified risk.…”

Matching the Pace of Genomic Advances Through the Integration of Genomic Education Into High School Health Education

“…Unfortunately, most people have limited understanding of the genome and the role it plays in health. Even many health professionals have limited knowledge about genomics . Regardless of these knowledge gaps, the application of genomics to many aspects of health care will continue to advance rapidly.…”

“…Even many health professionals have limited knowledge about genomics. [2][3][4][5] Regardless of these knowledge gaps, the application of genomics to many aspects of health care will continue to advance rapidly. As genomics continues to emerge into the mainstream of society, we believe it will be necessary to find ways to ensure that all individuals can benefit from its promise.…”