Translation, Validation, and Application of Indonesian Genetic Literacy Questionnaires for Medical Students

BackgroundIncreasing relevance of genetics and molecular biology in medicine necessitates greater genetic literacy among current and future healthcare workers. To assess the literacy level, a validated genetic literacy questionnaire is needed. Therefore, a standardised Indonesian-language genetic literacy questionnaire is essential. AimsWe aimed to translate and validate three genetic literacy questionnaires (PUGGS, iGLAS, and UNC-GKS) for use among Indonesian medical students. We then evaluated genetic literacy levels using one of the validated questionnaires. MethodsThe PUGGS, iGLAS, and UNC-GKS questionnaires were translated into Indonesian and then reviewed by an expert panel for translational accuracy and conceptual appropriateness. Back-translation was performed to confirm validity. Initial Indonesian versions of the questionnaires underwent cognitive pre-testing with 12 undergraduate medical students. After refinements, the questionnaires were validated among 34 first-to third-year medical students. The Indonesian version of UNC-GKS questionnaire was then used to assess genetic literacy of 486 medical students comprising 228 preclinical medical students, 187 clerkships, and 71 residents. ResultsThe Indonesian versions of PUGGS (Cronbachs = 0.819) and UNC-GKS ( = 0.809) demonstrated good reliability, while iGLAS showed poor reliability ( = 0.315). Among the 486 students tested, 56% demonstrated moderate overall genetic literacy, and only 15.2% demonstrated good overall literacy. Basic genetic concepts were relatively well-understood with 54.3% having good literacy. On the contrary, gene variants effects on health were poorly understood with only 9.7% having good literacy. Inheritance concepts were moderately understood with 24.9% having good literacy. ConclusionThe Indonesian translations of PUGGS and UNC-GKS are reliable tools for assessing genetic literacy among medical students. Using UNC-GKS, we observed predominantly moderate genetic literacy levels. Curriculum improvement to better integrate genetics education is essential to support its clinical applications. PRACTICE POINTSO_LIGenetic literacy is needed to fully utilize genetic and genomic application in medicine. C_LIO_LIAdaptation of PUGGS and UNC-GKS genetic literacy questionnaires into Indonesian language resulted in valid and reliable questionnaires to assess genetic literacy among medical students C_LIO_LIModerate genetic literacy level indicates the need for genetics curriculum update in medical schools in Indonesia, especially in the area of gene variants effect on health C_LI