Knowledge, attitudes, and training on genetic testing among public health professionals and students in the United...

As genetic testing becomes increasingly relevant to precision public health, understanding the preparedness of the public health workforce is essential. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), national initiatives such as the Emirati Genome Program are progressing rapidly; however, the integration of genetic testing into public health training and practice remains limited.

To examine the knowledge, attitudes, and training on genetic testing among public health professionals and students in the UAE, and to identify perceived barriers and enablers to its integration into public health practice.

A qualitative descriptive design with embedded quantitative components was used. Semi‑structured interviews were conducted with 19 purposively selected public health stakeholders, including faculty members, postgraduate students, and public health professionals. Participants completed a brief pre‑interview survey capturing demographics, education, and self‑reported and objective knowledge on genetic testing. Qualitative data were analyzed using structured coding procedures, and quantitative data were summarized descriptively.

Training on genetic testing was limited across undergraduate and postgraduate education, and most participants rated their knowledge as insufficient. Participants demonstrated moderate understanding of analytic validity, clinical validity, clinical utility, and the existence of international guidelines. However, some knowledge questions showed noticeably lower correct‑response rates. Despite these gaps, participants expressed positive attitudes toward the relevance of genetic testing for public health. Four themes emerged: recognition of genetic testing's value for disease prevention; sociocultural and ethical considerations influencing public acceptance; the need for enhanced education and institutional capacity; and cautious support for regulated consumer‑initiated genetic testing.

Public health professionals and students who participated in the current study in the UAE show strong interest in genetic testing but report suboptimal training. Addressing these gaps will require systematic integration of genomics into public health curricula, targeted workforce development, and supportive policy frameworks aligned with national precision health initiatives.