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Gene Therapy Knowledge and Attitude Among Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study
Maha M AlRasheed1, Hatoon AlAli2, Abdulrahman F Alsuwaid1
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia have limited knowledge but positive attitudes towards gene therapy. Educational programs focusing on safety and social acceptance are recommended.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Medical Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gene therapy represents a novel therapeutic frontier with significant potential.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' perspectives is crucial for successful implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and concerns regarding gene therapy among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.
- To identify factors influencing knowledge and attitudes towards gene therapy.
Main Methods:
- An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with 419 pharmacists and physicians in Saudi Arabia.
- Data were collected from December 2018 to March 2019.
- Statistical analyses were performed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors.
Main Results:
- Participants demonstrated limited knowledge of gene therapy (mean score 3.8/10).
- Higher knowledge was associated with younger age, male gender, advanced degrees (Master's, Ph.D.), and Canadian education.
- Approximately 55% expressed concerns, with genetics training at college identified as the preferred educational method.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists and physicians in Saudi Arabia exhibit a gap in gene therapy knowledge despite a positive attitude.
- Targeted educational initiatives are necessary to enhance understanding, particularly concerning safety and societal acceptance.
- Future strategies should prioritize comprehensive training programs for healthcare providers.
Abstract:
This study aimed to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and concerns toward gene therapy in Saudi Arabia. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey via convenience sampling during the period from December 2018 to March 2019. A total of 419 (358 pharmacists and 61 physicians) responded to our questionnaire. Three hundred and nine (73.7%) were male, and the mean (±SD) age of 32.0 ± 7.7 years. The mean knowledge scores of all participants, pharmacists, and physicians were 3.8 ± 1.9, 3.8 ± 1.9, and 3.7 ± 1.9, respectively (P = 0.73). Higher knowledge score was associated with younger age (Coefficient: -0.03; P = 0.02), male (Coefficient: 0.57; P = 0.01), master's degree (Coefficient: 0.93; P = 0.003) and Ph.D. holders (Coefficient: 1.10; P = 0.01), and participants graduated from Canada (Coefficient: 2.10; P = 0.01).Moreover, about half of the respondents (55%) were concerned about gene therapy, and genetics training at college was considered the best gene therapy education method by 69.4%. Attitude score was not significantly associated with the profession (P = 0.88) but positively correlated with the knowledge score (rho= 0.4; P < 0.001). In conclusion, pharmacists and physicians showed limited knowledge with a positive attitude toward gene therapy. Therefore, educational programs on gene therapy need to be considered, focusing primarily on the safety, and social acceptance of such new therapeutic management.
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