Genetic testing and Guangdong college students in China: A cross-sectional study of knowledge and attitudes

TL;DR

This study looked at how well college students in Guangdong, China, understand genetic testing and found that while they are generally positive about it, their knowledge is limited.

Contribution

The study provides insights into the relationship between functional genetic literacy and attitudes toward genetic testing among Chinese college students.

Findings

Most students had positive attitudes toward genetic testing, especially for predictive and premarital/preconception tests.

Functional genetic literacy was limited, with a median score of 10 out of 17.

Factors like gender, major, personality, religiosity, and financial status influenced genetic literacy.

Abstract

This study investigated functional health literacy and attitudes toward genetic testing among Chinese college students to understand if they can make informed decisions and avoid potential risks.

A cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted with students from 13 colleges in Guangdong province during October–November 2021.

Of the 1543 participants, 53.9 % were female, predominantly undergraduates (97.2 %). Most students reported being health-conscious (76.6 %), less religious (60.3 %), possessing health esteem (76.4 %), and having parents in non-healthcare occupations (89.1 %). The median score for functional genetic literacy was 10 out of 17. Most (91.4 %) expressed positive attitudes toward genetic testing, with 65.1 % favoring direct-to-consumer options. The most preferred tests were predictive (83.3 %) and premarital/preconception tests (76.4 %). Multiple linear regression analysis showed independent predictors of functional genetic literacy as female gender (Beta, 95 %CI: 0.26, 0.02–0.49), medicine major (1.51, 1.27–1.74), health-esteem personality trait (0.34, 0.06–0.62), lower religiosity (0.66, 0.49–0.83), and lower perceived financial status (0.47, 0.21–0.73). Logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of positive attitude toward genetic testing as self-respect personality (adjusted odds ratio, 95 %CI: 1.81, 1.23–2.66), lower perceived financial status (0.57, 0.38–0.83), and parental occupation in non-healthcare (0.38, 0.17–0.89).

Guangdong college students were mostly positive toward genetic testing, particularly predictive and premarital options. However, their limited functional genetic testing literacy may hinder informed decision-making. To address ethical, legal, and social implications, China should strengthen public education, promote the genetic counseling profession and enhance regulatory oversight in the genetic testing industry.

•Functional genetic testing literacy assessment with students of Guangdong colleges.•High positive attitudes despite limited functional genetic literacy among students.•Predictive and premarital/preconception tests as their favorites.•Gender, major, personality, religiosity, and finance influencing genetic literacy.

Functional genetic testing literacy assessment with students of Guangdong colleges.

High positive attitudes despite limited functional genetic literacy among students.

Predictive and premarital/preconception tests as their favorites.

Gender, major, personality, religiosity, and finance influencing genetic literacy.

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