Exploring Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers to Using Genetic Services in Damanhur City and Beni-Suef City, Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Advancements in genetic disorder management mark a transformative era in healthcare. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to using genetic services among the Egyptian population. A cross-sectional study was used to achieve the aim of the study. A convenient sample was used to involve 385 residents of Damanhur City and Beni-Suef City to represent Upper and Lower Egypt. A validated questionnaire covering socio-demographic details, genetic knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers to using genetic services was used. Regarding genetic knowledge, 70.9% of the participants reported an unsatisfactory level of knowledge about genetics. Furthermore, 67.6% expressed a negative attitude towardgenetic services. Concerns about whether the test result is positive were the most common obstacle, cited by 64.94% of participants, followed by cost, which 60.78% of people found to be a major barrier. Significant associations emerge between socio-demographic factors and awareness levels. The findings illuminate significant gaps in knowledge and attitude levels where less than a third of the participants had a satisfactory level of knowledge and about one-third had a positive attitude regarding genetic testing. Barriers such as concerns about treatment strategies, financial constraints, and conflict with personal beliefs emerge as critical obstacles. The identified associations between socio-demographic factors and awareness levels underscore the need for targeted interventions tailored to specific demographic groups. This study recommends developing and implementing culturally sensitive awareness campaigns about genetics tailored to the specific demographic characteristics of the Egyptian population.