Academic Level and Gender-based Mapping of High School Student's Genetic Literacy: A Cross Sectional Study in Indonesia

[Objective] Genetic literacy is related to knowledge and skills in utilising genetic principles for solving various problems or issues related to genetics. Genetic literacy is very important for students because it relates to various current issues, especially in health and agriculture. However, study about genetic literacy is still not widely disclosed from various viewpoints, including academic level and gender. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the genetic literacy of students in Indonesia based on their academic level and gender. [Methodology] The data were collected through an analytic observational cross-sectional study. The research participants comprised 1102 students from 55 senior high schools in Indonesia. The participants filled in a test, which had been tested for validity and reliability. The data was analysed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. The participants' genetic literacy levels were then categorised into adequate and inadequate. [Results] The results of this study showed that students' genetic literacy was relatively inadequate. In addition, academic level and gender have a significant effect on students' genetic literacy. However, the interaction between academic level and gender did not affect genetic literacy. [Conclusions] The results of this study further strengthen the fact that genetic literacy needs attention by considering academic level and gender. Thus, educators need to design strategies and appropriate learning media to empower and increase the genetic literacy of students in senior high schools.