Parental genetic knowledge and attitudes toward childhood genetic testing for inherited eye diseases

This study aimed to explore the parental genetic knowledge and attitudes toward childhood genetic testing of the inherited eye diseases (IEDs) in China.

This is a cross-sectional survey. All parents were assessed via self-administered questionnaires. Data were collected through the Internet at the pediatric eye clinics in a tertiary referral eye hospital.

In total, 359 parents were included into this survey. The proportion of correctly answered the factual genetic knowledge questionnaire ranged from 35.7% to 81.3%, which is positively correlated to the educational levels and household per capita income. The attitudes toward childhood IEDs genetic testing appeared to be consistent. More factual genetic knowledge was predictive for a favorable attitude toward genetic testing. Han Chinese might be slightly more likely to have a favorable attitude. Interestingly, the higher educational levels and lower monthly incomes were predictive factors for a reserved attitude toward genetic testing. The families without history of IEDs were more inclined to remain a reserved attitude than those with family history of IEDs.

This study illustrated that more factual genetic knowledge was considered as an indicator for the favorable attitudes. Therefore, the effective strategies should be taken to provide the correct knowledge of genetics and genetic testing to parents, especially those who need to make an informed decision thereon to undertake childhood genetic testing.