Does knowledge make a difference? The association between knowledge about genes and attitudes toward gene tests

A survey was conducted (n = 1,216) to evaluate the level of knowledge about basic facts of genetics and attitudes toward gene tests among the Finnish population. Our results show that a majority of the Finnish population gene rally approved of gene tests. Well over half of the respondents believed th at genetic testing will have positive consequences, but many also had worri es related to the development of gene tests. We showed that there was an as sociation between knowledge and attitudes, but better knowledge did not sim ply lead to unambiguous acceptance. Among those with the highest level of k nowledge there was in many respects both more enthusiasm and more skepticis m than among those with the lowest level of knowledge. Those with a low lev el of knowledge had more difficulties in taking a stance toward attitude st atements. In general, steps should be taken, first, to increase citizens' c apabilities to seek and understand information about genetics and specific diseases when faced with a need for it. Second, steps should be taken to pr ovide citizens with tools to perceive and discuss potential ethical and soc ial problems, which development of gene technology, genetic testing, and sc reening bring along. Sites for these enterprises could be the biology schoo l curriculum genetic counseling, media, as well as health education and hea lth communication in general.