Knowledge and Attitude Assessment of Saudi Arabian Undergraduate Medical Students Regarding Genetic Disease Testing

Abstract

Background: A genetic disorder is a health condition that is inherited by an individual and represents a considerable public health problem due to its increasing prevalence. Hence, the current article aims to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes related to genetic disease testing among undergraduate medical students at Batterjee Medical College, Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study follows a quantitative cross-sectional design. Convenience sampling was used by the researchers in this study. The study included 338 participants from different levels and medical specialties. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, independent sample t-tests, and ANOVA to answer the research questions. Results: This study revealed that the participants had a moderate level of knowledge (overall mean score 4.65: 65% of the total score) and positive attitudes (overall mean score 6.44: 58% of the total score). There was a statistically significant difference between means of knowledge (P < 0.01) and attitude (P < 0.05) scores due to gender in favor of females. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the means of attitude scores due to marital status (P < 0.001) in favor of singles. On the other hand, no significant differences were found among marital status, academic specialization, or academic year.

Keywords

• attitudes
• genetic diseases testing
• knowledge
• undergraduate medical students