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. 2024 Jun 19:11:1363552.
doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1363552. eCollection 2024.

Genetic knowledge and attitudes towards genetic testing among final-year medical students at a public university in Ecuador

Damary S Jaramillo-Aguilar  1 , Katherine Simbaña-Rivera  2
Affiliations

Genetic knowledge and attitudes towards genetic testing among final-year medical students at a public university in Ecuador

Damary S Jaramillo-Aguilar et al. Front Med (Lausanne). .

Abstract

Background: Genetics plays a crucial role in the field of medicine, offering numerous applications. However, health professionals often have insufficient knowledge in this area. Therefore, it is essential to provide appropriate genetics education during university studies.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards genetic testing among final-year medical students at a public university in Ecuador.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving final-year medical students from a public university in Ecuador. The third version of the Genetic Literacy and Attitudes Survey was administered between April and May 2022. The study examined sociodemographic characteristics, genetic knowledge, and attitudes towards genetic testing.

Results: The study included 153 medical students, of which 58.2% identified as female. Most participants fell within the age range of 22 to 25 years old (85.0%). Regarding genetic knowledge, three-quarters of the participants (75.2%) demonstrated intermediate proficiency, while only 9.80% possessed a high level of knowledge. Attitudes towards the clinical and therapeutic applications of genetics, scientific advancements, access to conventional medicine, and other related topics were found to be appropriate.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that most final-year medical students at a public university in Ecuador have intermediate genetic knowledge and hold appropriate attitudes towards genetic testing. However, higher education institutions should conduct a comprehensive analysis and restructure their curricula to better prepare students for the medical and technological challenges of the 21st century.

Keywords: Ecuador; attitude; genetics; knowledge; medical students.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Estimated percentage of heritability for traits and diseases. ADHD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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