A population-representative survey on attitudes toward genomic newborn screening in Germany

This study assessed general attitudes toward genomic newborn screening (gNBS) among the German public.

In a population-representative survey, we assessed self-rated prior knowledge of gNBS, newborn screening (NBS), and genome sequencing and perceived attitudinal and informational uncertainty and agreement with potential advantages and disadvantages of gNBS via paper-based questionnaire. Sociodemographic information was obtained through interviews. Analyses included descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions.

Respondents (N = 2504; ages 16-92) rated their prior knowledge as low, especially for gNBS compared with NBS. Informational uncertainty was higher among individuals with lower self-rated prior knowledge, lower educational attainment, and lower income, whereas attitudinal uncertainty showed no significant correlates with sociodemographic factors. Agreement with potential advantages of gNBS outweighed that of potential disadvantages. Higher self-rated prior knowledge and income predicted higher agreement with advantages. Right-leaning political views correlated with greater agreement with disadvantages. Overall, sociodemographic factors explained little variance.

Perceptions of gNBS were predominantly positive, although marked by uncertainty and low prior knowledge. Although some sociodemographic differences emerged, their influence on attitudes was limited. Additional factors, such as personality traits, may help explain attitude differences. Given low prior knowledge and its association with support for gNBS, improving genetic literacy through diverse outreach strategies is essential to enhance public acceptance of gNBS in Germany.