University Students' Attitudes towards Genetic Testing: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Genetic counseling has become a tool for preventing genetic diseases in western society.It deals with the risk of genetic diseases in families and finds ways to prevent future problems. The public's decision making regarding genetic counseling is influenced by cognitive, cultural and religious variables. Aim and objectives: To examine the attitudes of undergraduate Israeli students toward genetic issues and learn how these are affected by the field they study, their religious affiliation and their gender. Methods: We gave 490 students a Likert type quantitative questionnaire consisting of several genetic cases, and asked the students to express their attitudes towards each one. Results and conclusion: Of the three factors we assessed, the most influential is the students' religious affiliation. Religious students, especially those who do not study life sciences (LS), place less trust in genetic tests than secular students (p=0.0001). Students of LS show more critical thinking towards genetic testing than others (p=0.0128). Gender was least influential, showing a mixed trend of influence. The results of this research can serve as a basis for developing culturally sensitive educational programs in genetics.

Perception of Genetics by Using of Semantic Differential at High School Students: Preliminary Results

“…Precisely, attractiveness is aspect of genetics where atheists had a more positive attitudes to genetics then non atheists. Another similar result was possible to find in the study of Grosschedl, Konnemann & Basel (2014) or Siani & Assaraf (2015). Also Allum et al (2014) they found out that Catholics, as well as those who attend church often, were less likely to support the genetic testing of unborn babies.…”

The Moral Reasoning of Genetic Dilemmas Amongst Jewish Israeli Undergraduate Students with Different Religious Affiliations and Scientific Backgrounds

“…In Israel, differences in religious belief and custom are clearly reflected in differing genetic practices, with some sectors rejecting participation in genetic testing due to their religious beliefs (Raz 2004;Rosner et al 2009;Sher et al 2003;Zlotogora 2002). Moreover, Jewish religious students, especially those who do not study life sciences, have been found to place less trust in genetic tests than secular students do (Siani and Assaraf 2015). An understanding of the differences between various religions and the beliefs associated with them will help us understand the manner in which individuals relate to the tension between faith and science (Dickerson et al 2008).…”

Knowledge and attitude of medical students and Young Medical College Teachers towards genetic risk testing for premature coronary artery disease.

“…A previous study has also demonstrated the reluctance of young doctors to deal with matters related to genetic counselling which shows they are not only reluctant to undergo the tests but are unable to guide their patients in this regard as well. 11 On the contrary another study reports high level on interest of young physicians in genetic testing but considerable resistance regarding its clinical applicability. 13 The strength of this study is that to date genetic risk testing has not been introduced in the clinical settings in Pakistan and the reasons for this are vague.…”

“…10 Despite the encouraging response received from our study participants the level of awareness in the participants hailing from the Europe and America is significantly higher than that seen in our region. 11 The attitude of the students in undergoing a genetic risk test was much better as compared to the medical college teachers.…”