Genetic Testing: Knowledge, Attitude and Genetic Risk Information of Women, Implications for Counselling among Girls in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Genetic diseases or congenital abnormalities resulting in developmental disorders among children that has led to untold hardship in families could have been averted if women had gone through genetic testing before marriage or conception. This study examined the Knowledge, Attitude and Genetic Risk Information (GRI) of Women on Genetic Testing in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from 200 respondents. Three null hypotheses were raised and data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, means, standard deviation, Chi-square, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC).Chi-square results socio-demographic characteristics (age, educational qualification, employment status, marital status, number of children, tribe and religion) and knowledge on Genetic Testing of respondents on genetic testing showed that educational qualification (X2= 41.64, p=0.00) and tribe (X2=12.60, p=0.00) influenced their knowledge. Secondly, religion X2 = 7.97, p=0.02 was significant in influencing the attitude of the respondents towards genetic testing when compared with socio-demographic characteristics. However, genetic risk information and attitude towards genetic testing was significant using PPMC as (r= 0.17, p = 0.02). In conclusion, educational qualification and tribe influenced the knowledge of the respondents on genetic testing. Religion and the availability of genetic risk information positively affected individuals' attitude towards genetic testing. It was recommended that education on genetic testing and genetic risk information should be organised so as to educate women about genetic testing, thereby influencing their attitude positively towards their participation in genetic testing.