Attitudes of Secondary School Students to Genetic Diagnosis

The aim of this study was to investigate through a questionnaire the attitudes of secondary school students to genetic diagnosis as well as the correlation between them and the students’ attitudes to biology or their knowledge of basic genetics concepts. The sample consisted of 617 students of grades 9-12. The students were generally positive towards genetic diagnosis regardless of their gender or age. However, a statistically significant difference was found depending on the direction of studies of 12th grade students. Finally, our research showed a positive correlation between students’ attitudes towards biology and their attitudes towards genetic diagnosis as well as a positive relationship between students" genetic knowledge and their attitudes towards genetic diagnosis. The results of the study were used to design and implement a health education program on genetic diagnosis in a junior high school in Greece in order to help the participating students get acquainted with basic genetics concepts as well as the procedures and implications of genetic testing.