Genetic susceptibility screening in schools: attitudes of the school community towards hereditary haemochromatosis

Abstract

Carrier screening to provide reproductive options has been offered to students in the school setting for a number of years; however, genetic susceptibility screening for disease predisposition has not been introduced to the school community. Experience has shown that the success of a population-based programme relies on the community's acceptance. Therefore, we sought to establish the Australian secondary school community's attitudes towards genetic susceptibility screening in schools, with hereditary haemochromatosis as the model condition with an available prevention. School students, aged 15-18 (n = 748), completed a questionnaire immediately before and following an oral educational presentation. Their parents (n = 179) and staff (n = 89) received written information and returned a questionnaire by post. Semi-structured interviews were with Government representatives. Attitudes towards genetic screening in schools and knowledge of genetic and clinical features of haemochromatosis, as well as the likelihood of accepting a genetic susceptibility test for haemochromatosis, were all measured. Participants were positive about genetic screening for disease susceptibility in schools. Their knowledge was high following education with no significant differences between participants of each group. Sixty-eight percent of students would be likely to have the test if it were offered, with parents and staff, indicating that they would like the students to be offered a test, on average. Genetic susceptibility screening in schools is a novel concept. The results of our study indicate that it could be a public health success with the support of the community.