Knowledge And Attitudes Towards Genetic Testing In Those Affected With Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Backround Genetics is increasingly penetrating modern medicine. It should be investigated whether there is a relationship between knowledge and attitude in developing Muslim countries. Objectives This study aims to investigate the relationship between the genetic information levels of individuals with a chronic disease and their attitudes towards genetic testing. Method This cross - sectional study was carried out between individuals with one and / or more chronic diseases living in rural and urban areas were included in the study. Participants were asked to complete the questionnaire forms. Results 346 people participated in the study, and their mean age was 55.99 years. The level of Genetic Knowledge of the participants was very low, and the majority (about 80%) gave the wrong answers to almost all of the related questions. The mean scores of attitudes and genetic information of the participants in urban areas compared to those living in rural areas were found to be higher. In addition, it was found that they had more positive attitudes towards genetics tests and genetics. Conclusions Although it is thought that individuals with chronic diseases are experts in their diseases, it is understood that this is not the case in genetics. This result seems to be due to lack of knowledge rather than being closed to genetic developments. In addition, the study revealed that the fatalistic approach in a Muslim society was not decisive in the approach to genetic testing; therefore, it is important to pay attention to these issues when planning genetic health services.