Public attitudes and awareness towards Saudi Genome Program and Genetic Testing in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a high prevalence of consanguineous marriage and genetic disorders. Saudi Human Genome Program is specifically mapping the genomes of Saudis to identify prominent genetic traits and characteristics of Saudi society. The success of the Saudi Genome Program is highly dependent on the Saudi population embracing the concept of participating in genetic testing. The study aimed to measure the knowledge of the Saudi population about the Saudi genome program and their attitude towards it. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data was collected in November 2021. Participation is through an anonymous online survey. The questionnaire was created, validated, and produced electronically in Google Forms. A total of 316 participants completed the survey, representing 85.6%. More than half (56.3%) of the participants with high knowledge scores related to genetic testing and the Saudi genome project. (33.5%) of participants were aware of where genetic testing is performed. In terms of the future attitude toward genetic testing, (71.5%) expressed willingness to undergo genetic testing. The results of our study revealed that the majority of participants (82%) agreed that genetic counseling was important. The majority of participants (81.6%) had a positive outlook towards genetic testing and genome programs. In conclusion, this study delivers insight into the Saudi population's knowledge and attitudes regarding genetic testing and the Saudi Genome Program. Overall, the study found that attitudes towards genetic testing and the Saudi Genome Program were positive. Nevertheless, over half of the participants reported inadequate knowledge, which needs to be addressed in health education programs and media.