Knowledge and Perception of Medical Students on Genetics in the Genomic Era

Abstract The significance of medical genetics in modern healthcare highlights the urgent need for comprehensive education for physicians, addressing both the fundamentals and ethical concerns, to bridge the existing knowledge gap and improve early diagnosis. In Latin America, the genetic knowledge level among healthcare workers, especially medical students, remains largely unexplored. This study focuses on evaluating the knowledge and attitudes towards genetic testing among final-year medical students at a public university in Monterrey, Mexico. Utilizing a cross-sectional, observational, and anonymous survey, the research administered the International Genetic Literacy and Attitudes Survey version 3 (iGLAS3) from October 1, 2019, to August 16, 2020. This online survey assessed demographic details, genetic knowledge, and opinions, among other factors, choosing items most relevant to our research objectives. Statistical analyses provided descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency. Out of 323 distributed surveys, 201 participants completed essential sections, revealing a moderate to high level of genetic knowledge with an average score of 70 ± 11.5. The demographic breakdown included 58.7% women, 40.3% men, and 0.5% non-binary individuals, with an average age of 24 years. Most participants showed openness to genetic testing, predominantly through private entities, although there were significant concerns about the potential misuse of genetic data. These findings emphasize the necessity of enhancing genetic education and incorporating practical genetic training in medical curricula to address the evolving challenges in this field effectively.