Assessing the knowledge levels of senior midwifery and nursing students on consanguineous marriage, genetics, and genetic counseling
Knowledge of senior midwifery and nursing students on genetics and genetic counseling
Keywords:
Consanguineous marriage, midwifery, genetics, genetic counseling, nursingAbstract
Aim: To evaluate the level of knowledge among senior nursing and midwifery students regarding consanguineous marriage, genetics, and genetic counseling.
Method: This descriptive study was conducted between May and June 2024 with senior students enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery and Nursing, at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. The study population comprised 188 students from the Midwifery and Nursing departments. The sample size was calculated to be at least 156 students using the G*Power 3.1.9.4 program, with parameters set at d=0.2, α=0.05, and Power (1-β)=0.80. A total of 157 students participated in the study. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, the Genetic and Genetic Counseling Information Form, and the Consanguineous Marriage Attitude Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results: The mean age of the participating students was 22.97±1.19 years. Among them, 40.8% reported that their parents had a consanguineous marriage, 49.7% had a family or close relative with a history of genetic diseases, and 25% reported a speech disorder within their families. Additionally, 40.8% of the students were found to have adequate knowledge about genetics and genetic diseases. While 92.4% believed they had a role in providing counseling, only 35.6% considered their education sufficient for evaluating individuals with genetic problems, and 20.4% had knowledge about preconceptional counseling.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that students recognize their counseling roles in genetic diseases but possess insufficient knowledge about genetics and genetic diseases. The content of consanguineous marriage and genetic counseling training should be created in accordance with professional roles and responsibilities, and current practices should be conveyed to students.
Practice implications: Students were found to have a negative attitude toward consanguineous marriage and expressed a desire for more education on genetics and genetic counseling.
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