Stakeholders’ Intention to Adopt Gene Therapy in Malaysia: Effects of Age, Education, and Religion

Abstract

Gene therapy is a medical procedure in which new genetic material (genes) are introduced into the human body to treat disorders or diseases. Although the technology holds huge promises for improving human health, it is also one of the most controversial topics in modern medicine. Therefore, research into stakeholders’ intention to adopt gene therapy and its predicting factors is important to influence the successful implementation of this new therapeutic tool. The objective of this article is to assess the effect of background variables such as age, gender, and religion on behavioral intention to adopt gene therapy and its predicting factors. A validated questionnaire was distributed to 421 adult respondents (aged 18 years and older) comprised of two groups: health care providers ( n = 221) and patients ( n = 200). The results of the study suggest that the Malaysian stakeholders involved in the study were cautious although they perceived gene therapy as having high benefits, and were highly accepting from a religious perspective. This was reflected in their high intention to adopt gene therapy. At the same time however, they acknowledged the existence of moderate risks. One-way MANOVA analysis detected significant differences in terms of perceived benefits across ages, and behavioral intention across educational level. However, no significant differences were detected in the comparison of all factors across religions. This study serves as a useful baseline for scientists, government regulators, policy makers, and political leaders for understanding Malaysian acceptance of gene therapy and should encourage more research in the future.