Abstract:
Genetic disorder is an abnormal condition that a person inherits through genes or chromosomes.
There are several genetic disorders including diabetes mellitus, heart disease, breast cancer, asthma,
sickle cell anemia, mental disorders and so on. The main aim of this study was to assess the
knowledge, attitude, and practices of Healthcare professionals towards genetic disorders at selected
healthcare units in north- western Ethiopia. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 300
health professionals in northwestern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a semi-structured
questionnaire to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practices health care professionals towards genetic
disorders statically package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used for data analysis.
Description, cross tabulation and logistic regression, Bivariate and multivariate analysis were carried
out to determine the association between independent variables and the knowledge, attitude and
practice of genetic disorders among the study participants. Knowledge about genetic disorders was
low in 118 (39.3%) of the participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that
profession was significantly associated with Knoweldge. Medical doctors were found to be five times
[AOR=5.186; 95%CI (2.469-10.894 P=0.000)] more likely to know about genetic disorders
compared to those who are Nurses. Attitude about genetic disorders was low in 140 (46.7%) of the
participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that profession was significantly
associated with Attitude. Lab technicians were four times [AOR=4.015; 95%CI (1.419-11.361
P=0.009)] more likely to have positive attitude than nurses. Practice about genetic disorders was low
in 139 (46.3%). The knowledge, attitude, and practice towards genetic disorders were poor among
health care professionals. Health providers (nurses, midwives, lab techntians and pharmacists) should
also read more and update themselves regularly.
Key words: Attitude, Genetic Disorders, Health Care Professionals, Knowledge, Practice