@article{ajphr2015331,
author={{Siani, Merav and Assaraf, Orit Ben-Zvi},
title={University Students' Attitudes towards Genetic Testing: A Comparative Study},
journal={American Journal of Public Health Research},
volume={3},
number={3},
pages={81--90},
year={2015},
url={http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajphr/3/3/1},
issn={2327-6703},
abstract={<b>Background:</b> Genetic counseling has become a tool for preventing genetic diseases in western society. It deals with the risk of genetic diseases in families and finds ways to prevent future problems. The public¡¯s decision making regarding genetic counseling is influenced by cognitive, cultural and religious variables. <b>Aim and objectives:</b><b> </b>To examine the attitudes of undergraduate Israeli students toward genetic issues and learn how these are affected by the field they study, their religious affiliation and their gender. <b>Methods:</b><b> </b>We gave 490 students a Likert type quantitative questionnaire consisting of several genetic cases, and asked the students to express their attitudes towards each one. <b>Results and conclusion:</b> Of the three factors we assessed, the most influential is the students¡¯ religious affiliation. Religious students, especially those who do not study life sciences (LS), place less trust in genetic tests than secular students (p=0.0001). Students of LS show more critical thinking towards genetic testing than others (p=0.0128). Gender was least influential, showing a mixed trend of influence. The results of this research can serve as a basis for developing culturally sensitive educational programs in genetics.},
doi={10.12691/ajphr-3-3-1}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}