Public knowledge of and attitudes toward genetics and genetic testing in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

The world has been experiencing encouraging research in genetics, but current public knowledge, awareness, and perception of this area remain unknown for Brunei Darussalam. This study aimed to investigate the Brunei population’s genetics and genetic testing literacy, and their attitude toward them. A cross-sectional study was carried out targeting public population in Brunei Darussalam. Questionnaires on knowledge and attitudes were randomly distributed in frequented venues in the Brunei–Muara district and uploaded online for distribution through social media. Responses were scored and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Overall, the sample population (n = 474) comprised 75.7% female, 64.3% aged 18–29 years old, 39.7% with a bachelor’s degree, and 2.3% and 5.3% with a personal history and family history of genetic disease(s), respectively. Younger participants scored higher for disease-related questions and showed more concern on the impact of testing on employment but were more fearful of testing. Higher educational qualifications were associated with a higher knowledge score, a more optimistic view on DNA research, and less reluctance to take a genetic test for an untreatable disease. Participants with a personal history of genetic disease(s) were more knowledgeable and displayed higher curiosity. Participants with a family history of genetic disease(s) were also more knowledgeable and would want testing even for an untreatable disease. Significantly less was known about the social consequences of testing compared to the medical possibilities. Investigating the knowledge and attitudes of the population is vital preceding efforts toward national adaptation of genetic testing, keeping in mind the various obstacles and issues surrounding the subject.

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

“…This finding is consistent with [ 17 ] who reported that less than half of the respondents expressed interest in genetic testing to prevent specific diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or dementia. However, there is a discrepancy with the study by Jaya et al [ 11 ] where the majority of participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward genetic services. Additionally, Vermeulen et al [ 16 ] found that 76.9% of participants were willing to undergo a genetic test if their relatives had a genetic disease.…”

“…Comprising eight items on a scale of 1 to 3, responses ranged from agreement to disagreement. The items were rephrased from previous studies [11][12][13] with some modifications. The total attitude score ranged from 1 to 24, and respondents scoring 60% or above were considered to have a positive attitude toward genetic testing.…”