Knowledge of Genetics and Attitudes toward Genetic Testing among College Students in Saudi Arabia

Knowledge of genetics and attitudes toward genetic testing among university students in Indonesia

The development in human genetics must be tracked with the knowledge to provide support and positive attitudes towards genetic research and its healthcare applications, including genetic testing. Unfortunately, there has been a delay in enacting public policies related to the genetics professionals as well as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of genetic diseases in Indonesia. This research was conducted to build an overview of genetic knowledge and public attitudes toward genetic testing among Indonesian undergraduates. This cross-sectional study involved undergraduate students selected using the convenience sampling method. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: a true/false questionnaire (16 statements) regarding knowledge of genetics and a 5-points Likert scale questionnaire (27 statements) pertaining to attitudes towards genetic testing. A total of 1596 undergraduate students completed online questionnaire. The highest knowledge score and the most positive overall attitudes were observed in the healthcare-related majors compared to those who studied science and technology and social and humanity. A weak positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude toward genetic testing (Pearson's r = 0.206, p < 0.001). Undergraduate students from healthcare-related majors displayed better in both knowledge of genetics and had more positive attitudes toward genetic testing.

Assessment of genetic familiarity and genetic knowledge among Palestinian university students

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Genetic knowledge and familiarity among the population represent the lane toward effective participation in social decisions regarding genetic issues. This cross sectional research aimed to assess genetic knowledge and familiarity among university students in Palestine.

METHODS

The familiarity with genetics was evaluated using the Genetic Literacy and Comprehension instrument (GLAC), and genetic knowledge was measured using a 16-item scale of prevalent genetic concepts.

RESULTS

Among the 624 participants, 59.5% were females. 38.8% reported family history of genetic diseases. The genetic familiarity mean score was 4.83 and the genetic knowledge mean total score was 11.5. Students' genetic familiarity was high for the terms chromosome and genetic while it was low for the terms sporadic and vulnerability. Genetic knowledge was highest for gene definition while it was the lowest regarding the number of human genes. The age group, year of study, and learning genetic courses were the significant predictors of familiarity among medical students. The year of study, family history of genetic diseases, parental consanguinity, and learning genetic courses were the significant variables associated with genetic knowledge among medical students. Regarding the non-medical group of participants, all study variables were significant for both familiarity and knowledge scores except for age group with familiarity.

CONCLUSION

Genetic familiarity and knowledge among Palestinian university students are inadequate. Consanguinity and hereditary disorders are prevalent in Palestine. These findings encourage university stakeholders to take action to improve genetic knowledge and familiarity among students through both appropriate pedagogical and non-pedagogical interventions.

Knowledge and awareness level of healthcare professional candidate students on inherited metabolic diseases: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Healthcare professionals play a key role in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of inborn metabolic diseases. However, the level of inborn metabolic disease knowledge of prospective healthcare professional students in our country has not yet been determined. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge of healthcare professional candidate students about inborn metabolic diseases.

METHODS

The knowledge levels of 761 students enrolled in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Child Development, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, Health Management and Social Work at Gülhane Faculty of Health Sciences, Health Sciences University, were evaluated through a questionnaire using a face-to-face interview technique. Correct answers to the questions measuring the level of knowledge were scored as "1", and incorrect answers were scored as "0".

RESULTS

The mean knowledge-level score of the individuals was 14.23 ± 4.56. A total of 56.0% of individuals had heard about inborn metabolic diseases before, 37.8% had heard of rare disease organizations/platforms before, and 16.8% had encountered an awareness campaign about inborn metabolic diseases. The level of exposure to awareness-raising campaigns, department of education, and grade level were shown to be factors affecting knowledge levels.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to improve the awareness and knowledge levels of health professional candidates involved in the treatment of inborn metabolic diseases. Education curricula in health sciences faculties should be evaluated with this aspect.

Factors that influence a patient's decision to engage in genetic research

Introduction

The most challenging step in clinical research studies is patient recruitment. Many research studies do not reach their targets because of participant rejection. The purpose of this study was to assess patient as well as the community knowledge, motivation, and barriers to participate in genetic research.

Methods

A cross-section study was conducted between September 2018 and February 2020 using face-to-face interviews with candidate patients from outpatient clinics at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, an online survey was conducted to assess the community's knowledge, motivation and barriers to participate in genetic research studies.

Results

In total, 470 patients were interviewed for this study, with 341 being successfully recruited for the face to face interview, and the other patients being refused owing to time constraints. The majority percentage of the respondents were females. The respondents' mean age was 30, and 52.6% reported having a college degree. The survey results from 388 participants illustrated that around 90% of the participants, participated voluntarily due to a good understanding of genetics studies. The majority held positive attitudes toward being part of genetic research, which exceeded the reported motivation score of >75%. The survey indicated that >90% of individuals were willing to participate to acquire therapeutic benefits or to receive continued aftercare. However, 54.6% of survey participants were worried about the side effects and the risks involved in genetic testing. A higher proportion (71.4%) of respondents reported that lack of knowledge about genetic research was one of the barriers to rejecting participation.

Conclusion

Respondents reported relatively high motivation and knowledge for participation in genetic research. However, study participants reported "do not know enough about genetic research" and "lack of time during clinic visit" as a barrier for participation in genetic research.

Exploring People's Knowledge of Genetics and Attitude towards Genetic Testing: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Population with a High Prevalence of Consanguinity

This study investigated people’s knowledge of genetics, attitudes toward genetic testing, and views on consanguinity. This cross-sectional study utilized a validated questionnaire modified from published studies to collect data on people’s knowledge of genetics and attitudes about genetic testing among 1008 respondents from various Saudi Arabian regions. Using SPSS software version 26, data were analyzed using a t-test, ANOVA, and multivariate analysis. p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. About 59.9% of the participants had sufficient knowledge of genetics, and around 50% had a favorable attitude toward genetic testing. Knowledge of genetics is significantly correlated (p ≤ 0.001) with a positive attitude toward genetic testing. Gender, age, level of education, marital status, family income, and family history were significantly correlated with respondents’ understanding of genetics. Gender, family income, residence, and family history were associated with attitudes toward genetic testing at a 0.05 level of significance. There is a need to strengthen peoples’ knowledge of genetics and attitudes toward genetic testing through diverse educational programs and healthcare strategies. Impetus on how to disseminate genetic information on consanguinity and transmission of diseases should be prioritized in regions where consanguineous marriages are high.

Knowledge and perception of inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) among healthcare students at a selected public university in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Healthcare providers play an important role in improving the health of Inborn Error of Metabolism (IEM) patients. However, IEM knowledge level among local healthcare students has yet to be determined. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception of IEM among local healthcare students. An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 378 students across the Faculty of Health Science, Pharmacy and Dentistry from a selected public university in Lembah Klang, Malaysia. For knowledge, a score of 1 is assigned to each correct answer with a maximum total score of 14. Likert scale was used to determine their perception of IEM. The total mean score of IEM knowledge among healthcare students is 5.8. There was no significant difference of mean score of IEM knowledge among the students from the Faculty of Health Science (6.1 ± 2.7), Pharmacy (5.5 ± 2.6) and Dentistry (5.8 ± 2.8). However, the score of knowledge is observed to be significantly different by ethnicity, religion and family history of IEM (p < 0.05). Furthermore, students with experience of meeting an IEM patient and attending IEM classes scored higher than those with no experience (p < 0.05). Most of the healthcare students (89.5%) perceived their knowledge to be insufficient and very poor. Majority of the students from faculty of pharmacy (70.8%) agreed that the IEM course should be mandatory compared to health sciences and dentistry (p < 0.05). This study identified an overall inadequacy of knowledge of IEM among healthcare students. There is a pressing need to improve the IEM-related knowledge and awareness of Malaysian healthcare students. This can be accomplished by incorporating online classes that emphasizes the treatment and management of IEMs in the university curriculum.

Knowledge and attitude of pregnant women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia toward Noninvasive prenatal testing: A single center study

Background

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a screening tool for chromosomal aneuploidies. Prior knowledge of NIPT is an inherent factor in the decision‐making process. We assessed the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women related to prenatal testing with a particular focus on NIPT.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study, using a culturally validated questionnaire, was conducted with 342 pregnant women of whom 74.9% consented for prenatal screening. Mean age and gestational weeks ± standard deviation was 31 ± 5 and 26 ± 11, respectively.

Results

A positive/very positive attitude was observed to ultrasound, followed by FCT, NIPT, and lastly to CVS. More than half of the participants (56.1%) had no previous knowledge of NIPT. A reaching significance association was detected between education and knowledge of NIPT. Significant association was detected between risk for aneuploidy and knowledge of NIPT. The majority (74%) indicated their willingness to perform the test. The effect and value of society on the pregnant women to make a decision regarding NIPT was negligible.

Conclusion

The pregnant women in the current study displayed a lack of knowledge and awareness regarding prenatal screening, particularly the NIPT. We recommend that pregnant women receive adequate counseling regarding prenatal screening to increase their awareness and knowledge of prenatal testing, including NIPT.

Predictors of premarital screening and genetic counseling knowledge and attitude among deaf and hard hearing females in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

According to Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision, research should be directed to prevention, early detection, and intervention to reduce all types of disability. The current study aimed to investigate the predictors of Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling (PMSGC) knowledge and attitude among deaf and hard hearing females' in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Descriptive correlational design was conducted on a convenience sample of 67 deaf and hard hearing students from the Tabuk region. Data were collected by an electronic questionnaire elaborated to the participants using sign language. The results revealed that most participants had incorrect answers regarding most PMSGC questions. Around two-thirds (68.7%, 65.7%, and 71.6%) of them strongly agree that PMSGC is very important, compatible with Islamic principles, and prevents family social and psychological problems, respectively. Older, urban area residents and university-educated participants have significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores than their peers (t=2.239, 4.887, 4.790 & p<0.05), respectively. Multiple regression shows that age (b=0.302, t=-2.795, p=0.007), education (b=0.336, t=2.425, p=0.019), mothers' education (b=0.314, t=2.345, p=0.023), and monthly income (b=-0.337, t=-2.503, p=0.015), are significant predictors of PMSGC knowledge. Furthermore, age (b=0.659, t=4.024, p=0.000), residence (b=0.293, t=2.233, p=0.030), education (b=-0.395, t=3.028, p=0.004), and type of disability (b=-0.443, t=-3.763, p=0.000) are significant predictors of PMSGC attitude. Although most deaf and hard hearing females have incorrect knowledge regarding PMSGC, most have a positive attitude. The study concluded that participants' education, mothers' education, and monthly income are significant predictors of PMSGC knowledge. Moreover, age, residence, education, and type of disability were significant predictors of higher PMSGC attitudes.

The Special Features of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Counseling in Arab Countries

Genetic counseling services have only recently been introduced in most Arab countries, and their utilization is increasing. Prenatal genetic counseling is essential, particularly in the Arab context, which is characterized by high rates of consanguinity. Nevertheless, little is known about the decisions faced by parents and the factors underlying the complex decision making that must occur when accessing these services in Arab countries. Herein, we performed a narrative review to discuss the reported experiences of parents accessing genetic counseling in the prenatal setting in the 22 Arab countries. We also highlight the different types of decisions encountered and the factors influencing them. We report that: (i) utilization of genetic counseling services varies across different Arab countries; (ii) many factors affect decision making and service utilization, especially religion; and (iii) parents are faced with an array of decisions in the prenatal setting, partly driven by increased utilization of prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic testing in some countries. Our work is the first to highlight the different factors and decisions influencing genetic counseling in Arab countries. Understanding these factors is essential for improving genetic counseling services in the region and helping counselors facilitate informed decision making.

Development of the pharmacogenomics and genomics literacy framework for pharmacists

BACKGROUND

Pharmacists play a unique role in integrating genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics into the clinical practice and to translate pharmacogenomics from bench to bedside. However, the literature suggests that the knowledge gap in pharmacogenomics is a major challenge; therefore, developing pharmacists' skills and literacy to achieve this anticipated role is highly important. We aim to conceptualize a personalized literacy framework for the adoption of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics by pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates with possible regional and global relevance.

RESULTS

A qualitative approach using focus groups was used to design and to guide the development of a pharmacogenomics literacy framework. The Health Literacy Skills framework was used as a guide to conceptualize the pharmacogenomics literacy for pharmacists. The framework included six major components with specific suggested factors to improve pharmacists' pharmacogenomics literacy. Major components include individual inputs, demand, skills, knowledge, attitude and sociocultural factors.

CONCLUSION

This framework confirms a holistic bottom-up approach toward the implementation of pharmacogenomics. Personalized medicine entails personalized efforts and frameworks. Similar framework can be created for other healthcare providers, patients and stakeholders.

The impact of needs-based education on the change of knowledge and attitudes towards medical genetics in medical students

In this research we aimed to (1) develop and validate a new questionnaire examining attitudes and knowledge towards medical genetics, (2) examine the knowledge and attitudes towards medical genetics in students of the Medical Faculty in Rijeka, Croatia and (3) evaluate the impact of education from the mandatory course Medical Genetics on the change of knowledge and attitudes. The study was conducted on 191 fifth- and sixth-year students of the Integrated Undergraduate and Graduate University Study of Medicine in the academic year 2019/2020. Students completed the validated online questionnaire anonymously and voluntarily. Fifth-year students completed the questionnaire twice (beginning/end of the course), while sixth-year students completed the questionnaire once, 3 months after completing the course. The education was carefully designed for medical students according to the CoreCompetences in Genetics for Health Professionals in Europe issued by the European Society of Human Genetics. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, a statistically significant difference was found between fifth year before and after education and between the fifth year before education and sixth year for (a) total knowledge (P < 0.001), (b) total attitudes (P < 0.001) and (c) personal assessment of knowledge in medical genetics (P < 0.001). Moreover, positive attitudes were associated with higher levels of knowledge. In conclusion, our results emphasise the importance of needs-based education in medical genetics for medical students, which is indispensable for the increase in the level of knowledge and development of positive attitudes in order to provide better health care for patients with genetic disorders.

Knowledge and attitudes regarding genetic testing among Jordanians: An approach towards genomic medicine

Background

The twenty first century can be called the genomic era referring to the rapid development of genetics, and the beginning of genomic medicine. An initial step towards genomic medicine is to evaluate the knowledge and attitude towards genetic testing among different populations. The aims of this study were to assess the genetic knowledge and attitude towards genetic testing among the Jordanian population and patients with immune diseases. In addition, we evaluated the association between knowledge, attitude and several demographic factors of the population.

Methods

This study was performed using an online questionnaire that was distributed to respondents from different regions of Jordan.

Results

A total of 1149 participants were recruited from the Jordanian population. Overall factual genetic knowledge of the participants was good (65.4%), with education level, working or studying in a health-related field and household average monthly income being significant predictors of factual knowledge scores (P = 0.03, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). However, factual knowledge results revealed that scores of questions related to diseases were significantly higher than scores of gene-related scientific facts (P < 0.01). Participants of our study reported to have low perceived knowledge on medical uses (39.5%) and social consequences (23.9%) of genetic testing. Regarding the participants’ attitudes, favorable attitudes towards genetic testing were prevailing (91.5%). Favorable attitudes were more prominent among higher educated participants, and participants with higher scores of factual knowledge.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that our Jordanian-based study revealed a good level of genetic knowledge as well as a favorable attitude towards genetic testing, we realized an imbalance of knowledge between gene-related scientific facts and disease-related concepts as well as between factual and perceived genetic knowledge, which indicates the necessity of increasing the awareness about genetic testing in order to ensure that individuals can take informed decisions that help in the employment of personalized medicine.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical and Health Science Students in the United Arab Emirates toward Genomic Medicine and Pharmacogenomics: A Cross-Sectional Study

Medical and health science students represent future health professionals, and their perceptions are essential to increasing awareness on genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics. Lack of education is one of the significant barriers that may affect health professional’s ability to interpret and communicate pharmacogenomics information and results to their clients. Our aim was to assess medical and health science students’ knowledge, attitudes and perception for a better genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire distributed electronically to students recruited using random and snowball sampling methods. A total of 510 students consented and completed the questionnaire between December 2018 and October 2019. The mean knowledge score (SD) for students was 5.4 (±2.7). There were significant differences in the levels of knowledge by the year of study of bachelor’s degree students, the completion status of training or education in pharmacogenomics (PGX) or pharmacogenetics and the completion of an internship or study abroad program (p-values < 0.05. The top two barriers that students identified in the implementation of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics were lack of training or education (59.7%) and lack of clinical guidelines (58.7%). Concerns regarding confidentiality and discrimination were stated. The majority of medical and health science students had positive attitudes but only had a fair level of knowledge. Stakeholders in the UAE must strive to acquaint their students with up-to-date knowledge of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics.

The difference in knowledge and concerns between healthcare professionals and patients about genetic-related issues: A questionnaire-based study

Effective adoption of genetics in clinical practice requires the support of and interaction between the different partners of healthcare system; healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients. The study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge, factors affecting the knowledge, and concerns of HCPs and patients regarding genetic-related issues such as lack of knowledge about genetics and genetic conditions, awareness of the importance of genetics in clinical practice and genetic services and resources deficits. A cross sectional study was conducted in different areas of Jordan using a convenient sampling approach. An English questionnaire was self-administered to HCPs. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients in Arabic by trained researcher. A total of 1000 HCPs and 1448 patients were recruited. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the knowledge between HCPs and patients. Among HCPs, physicians (OR = 2.278, 95%CI = 1.410–3.680, p = 0.001) and pharmacists (OR = 2.163, 95%CI = 1.362–3.436, p = 0.001) were more knowledgeable than nurses. In addition, females were more knowledgeable than males (OR = 1.717, 95%CI = 1.203–2.451, p = 0.003). Among patients, participants who had a bachelor degree (OR = 1.579, 95%CI = 1.231–2.025, p<0.001) were more knowledgeable compared to those who only had school education. HCPs appeared to have more concerns than patients (p<0.001) regarding all genetic-related issues. These findings suggested a positive association between education and genetic knowledge as well as concerns; as HCPs were more knowledgeable and concerned than patients. Appropriate integration and expansion of basic genetic knowledge courses and clinical genetic training in the curriculum should be adopted to prepare HCPs to enhance the integration of genetic information in clinical settings.

Genetic disorder prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy termination practices among high consanguinity population, Saudi Arabia

The prevalence of consanguineous marriage and genetic disorders are high in Saudi Arabia. There were records on the practices of Saudis toward prenatal diagnosis (PND) and termination of pregnancy (TOP), however the sample sizes are small. This study has targeted the Saudi Arabian community and family history of genetic disorders to determine the practices toward PND and TOP. The cross-sectional survey was conducted among Saudis (n = 2761) to determine their practices toward reproductive-decision making. Regression analysis was conducted to identify the association of the limiting factors, relative merits and family history on the outcomes. Total of 2507 participants returned completed questionnaire. The practice towards PND (68%) were more favorable than TOP (33%). PND was found to be a good opportunity for early diagnosis and gives parent's choice. Education, history with affected baby, prior knowledge and religious belief were significant deciding factors of PND and TOP. Down syndrome (n = 161) and sickle cell anemia (n = 152) were commonly available genetic disorder among participant's family. Respondents with autistic cases in their family have higher acceptance rate for TOP. Non-consanguineous are more willing to consider TOP than consanguineous. Participants with abnormal fetus, aged of > 36 years, married and educated Saudis were more likely consider TOP. Though, religion is the most influencing factor for not accepting TOP, comparatively willingness to PND and TOP have increased recently. Awareness campaigns about PND and TOP may increase the chances of accepting prenatal genetic diagnosis.

Knowledge and views about genetics: a public-based cross-sectional study

This study aimed to explore the knowledge, factors affecting knowledge, and views of the Jordanian population on genetics-related issues. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in Jordan. The questionnaire was administered by face-to-face interview to the participants who were recruited from different public places. In total, 5000 questionnaires were collected from public population in Jordan and 43.4% (2171/5000) of them were knowledgeable. The public's knowledge was found to be associated with female gender (OR = 1.493, 95% CI = 1.280-1.741, p < 0.001), bachelor degree (OR = 1.853, 95% CI = 1.592-2.157, p < 0.001), having children (OR = 1.433, 95% CI = 1.162-1.768, p = 0.001), and having first-degree relatives with comorbid conditions (OR = 1.669, 95% CI = 1.431-1.946, p < 0.001). Although public in Jordan had positive genetic attitudes, they raised several concerns about the applications of genetics in clinical practice. Genetic knowledge was significantly associated with all positive public attitudes and most of their concerns (p < 0.001). These findings suggested that female gender, educational level, having children, and having first-degree relatives with comorbid conditions were good predictors for public's knowledge about genetics-related issues. Public education about the value of participation in genetic research as well as educational and training programs for healthcare professionals are recommended to assist in establishing genetics-related services in Jordan.

Knowledge and attitude toward genetic diseases and genetic tests among pre-marriage individuals: A cross-sectional study in northern Iran

Background

Genetic testing has been widely introduced for many hereditary disorders. While the attitudes towards these facilities have been evaluated in many countries, there are only a few reports on the knowledge of and the orientation among Iranians.

Objective

The current study assesses the attitudes and knowledge of pre-marriage individuals toward the availability and use of genetic tests.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive questionnaire was distributed among 408 marrying individuals. The questions addressed the demographic characteristics along the registration of participant's knowledge, education, and attitude toward genetic testing. The individuals were divided into three groups based on their knowledge: 1) Scored above 80 to 100 were defined as "good" 2) 60 to 80 as "average" 3) less than 60 as "poor" knowledge.

Results

Most participants (86%) believed consanguineous marriages increase the risk of genetic diseases; 82.3% knew that thalassemia is a type of genetic disease, only 33.3% could distinguish prenatal diagnosis (PND) from other laboratory tests. The relationship between the participants' knowledge and their level of education was significant (r░=░0.78, p░<░0.001), age (r= -0.16, p░<░0.01), and urbanity (p░<░0.01). A prominent relationship was observed between the knowledge (r░=░0.64, p░<░0.001) or education (r░=░0.62, p░<░0.001) and people’s desire to use the genetic tests before the wedding ceremony. No significant correlations were found between the participant’s attitude and their ages/urbanity. Most of the individuals agreed to arrange a genetic counseling before marriage (0.94%).

Conclusion

This study revealed that most individuals were interested in using genetic counseling services and genetic tests before marriage.

Differences in attitudes toward genetic testing among the public, patients, and health-care professionals in Korea

With further advances in medical genetics, genetic tests to determine predisposition to disease are becoming viable for a growing number of diseases. Accordingly, it has also become important to identify various viewpoints on genetic testing. The aims of this study were to examine awareness of and attitudes toward genetic testing among the general public (public), cancer patients (patients), and health-care professionals (clinicians and researchers) in Korea. The present survey was conducted from November 2016 to February 2017. The public and patients were surveyed via face-to-face interviews conducted by trained interviewers. Health-care professionals were surveyed via self-administered questionnaires. In total, 1500 individuals from the general public, 1500 cancer patients, 113 clinicians, and 413 researchers were surveyed. Most respondents from the public and patients had previously heard about genetic testing (public, 89.4%; patients, 92.7%, p < 0.01). Differences in attitudes toward genetic testing among the public, patients, and professionals were noted, although most respondents in the present study were aware of genetic testing. Most of the cancer patients tended to overestimate the potential benefit of genetic testing, whereas clinicians expressed concerns for genetic testing. Providing correct information to people who are scheduled to undergo or order genetic testing could help in making an informed decision thereon.

Thalassemia: a prevalent disease yet unknown term among college students in Saudi Arabia

Thalassemia is a life-threatening blood disorder that has a high prevalence in Saudi Arabia despite the implementation of mandatory premarital testing and the availability of genetic counseling. This study aimed to assess college students' knowledge of thalassemia. A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 920 senior students enrolled at King Abdulaziz University was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information about thalassemia and socio-demographic characteristics. Of the 920 students, 445 (48%) had ever heard of thalassemia. Despite the mandatory premarital testing for thalassemia, only 50% of married students stated having heard of the disease. The mean thalassemia knowledge score was 4.4 ± 2.2 out of a maximum of 12. Knowledge was significantly influenced by university faculty, gender, and education outside of Saudi Arabia. Those who had heard of thalassemia had misconceptions about the disease characteristics and pattern of inheritance such as associating thalassemia with low iron levels. A substantial proportion of the participants had a low knowledge of thalassemia. This lack of awareness requires a reassessment of the goals and success of the premarital testing program, including the genetic counseling services, and also indicates the importance of emphasizing thalassemia in school curricula and promoting and scaling up existing thalassemia campaigns in the region.