Knowledge and attitudes concerning medical genetics amongst physicians and medical students in Cameroon (sub-Saharan Africa).
OBJECTIVE
Little is known about physician's knowledge of, and attitudes toward genetics in sub-Saharan Africa.


METHODS
Survey of 101 pre-clinical, 95 clinical medical students, and 110 physicians, in Cameroon.


RESULTS
The awareness of DNA diagnosis was poor: 0, 2.2, and 1.2%, respectively, for sickle cell anemia. The majority of the respondents considered genetic counseling as indispensable (97.6, 98.9 and 100%); and prenatal diagnosis as acceptable. The acceptance of medical abortion increased with the level of medical education (62.6, 74.7 and 90.7%). Sickle cell anemia was considered as a "serious disease" by a greater majority of respondents than Down syndrome (P < 0.001). But, in all three groups, the acceptance of termination of affected pregnancy "if the respondent's own child was affected" was lower for sickle cell anemia than Down syndrome (22.4 versus 40.2%, 10.8 versus 29.3% and 36.1 versus 70.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest a poor knowledge of genetic tests among medical students and physicians. This cohort appears to accept the principles of medical genetics. Our data emphasized a need to introduce genetics and to develop research on its ethical and social implications in Cameroon.
Wonkam
Ambroise
A
Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Njamnshi
Alfred K
AK
Angwafo
Fru F
FF
D000032:Abortion, Therapeutic; D001290:Attitude; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002163:Cameroon; D004501:Education, Medical; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D010820:Physicians; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires