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. 2024 Feb 5;34(1):75-78.
doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad189.

Public attitudes, knowledge and educational needs toward genetic testing and omics sciences: a pilot survey conducted in Italy

Giovanna Elisa Calabrò  1 , Francesco Andrea Causio  1 , Denise Pires Marafon  1 , Michele Sassano  2 , Francesca Moccia  3 , Roberta Pastorino  1   4 , Stefania Boccia  1   4
Affiliations

Public attitudes, knowledge and educational needs toward genetic testing and omics sciences: a pilot survey conducted in Italy

Giovanna Elisa Calabrò et al. Eur J Public Health. .

Abstract

Advancements in genomics have significant implications for public health, making citizens' education vital for informed decision-making. Based on two literature reviews' findings and a survey conducted with experts from the Italian Network of Genomics in Public Health, we conducted a pilot survey on Italian citizens' attitudes, knowledge and educational needs toward genetic testing and omics sciences. Our results demonstrate a widespread interest in genetic testing and uncertainties regarding associated risks, with 99% of participants acknowledging insufficient knowledge of genetic testing. There is an urgent need for educational tools to improve citizens' literacy and engagement in this rapidly evolving field.

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References

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