Nursing Students’ Knowledge Toward Genetic Topics: A Cross-Sectional Study in Central Java, Indonesia

Purpose: To identify nursing students’ knowledge about genetics. Methods: A descriptive with a cross-sectional approach was used in this study. Eligible participants were recruited from a convenience sample at nine school of nursing in Central Java, Indonesia. Survey were distributed to 1691 nursing students attend the class. The modification of “The Genetic Needs Assessment Survey” was used. There were 43 questions divided in 3 sections/ domains. The questionnaire covers 3 domain, including perceive knowledge of human principles and disorders; comfort regarding genetics; and educational methods of teaching genetic topics. Also, there were 4 demographic data including age, gender, semester grade, and previous degree have been assessed. Descriptive statistics were used to explain results from data collected. Results: There were 1635 nursing students participated in this study. The response rate was 96.7%. More participants feel confident when they choose “minimal knowledge” in terms of genetic (e.g., DNA - RNA structure and function). However, they also choose “no knowledge of this topic) to pattern inheritance terms. The majority of students were not familiar to genetic disease, for example trisomy 13, trisomy 18, trisomy 21, and Huntington’s disease. Students also stated that they feel more comfortable to learn about genetics through lecture, small group discussion, and roleplay. Conclusion: Nursing students’ knowledge concerning genetics still low. This knowledge will affect quality of nursing care given to the patient. Thus, genetics topic should be included in nursing curriculum at any level of education.