Public attitudes toward the application of genomic studies to medicine

Objective: There have been few large-scale surveys of public attitudes toward genomic studies. We aim to examine public attitudes toward the application of genomic studies to medicine. Methods: In 2005, a national representative opinion survey was administered in Japan to 4000 males and females aged 20-69 years. The questionnaire included questions about genetic knowledge, attitudes toward the applications of genomic studies to medicine and crop science, the basic research of genomics, and technology. We analyzed the data with a focus on the attitudes toward the application to medicine and genetic knowledge. Using a logistic multivariable regression analysis, odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals for the pros and cons of promoting the application of genomic studies to medicine, and image, perceived values and risks of the application, and genetic knowledge. Results: The response rate was 54.3% (2171/4000). Sixty nine percent of the participants approved promoting the application of genomic studies to medicine. Thirty percent of participants had never heard of the word “genome”. Image, perceived values and risks of the application to medicine were significantly associated with the pros and cons of research promotion. Conclusion: Overall, this study revealed that public attitudes toward the application of genomic studies to medicine were positive. Since awareness of the word “genome” was low, it is considered necessary to provide more information about genomics. This study is a part of “A nationwide opinion survey concerning genomic research in Japan” (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology).