A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND AWARENESS OF HUMAN GENE THERAPY IN MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL STUDENTS OF A MEDICAL COLLEGE IN MAHARASHTRA

Background: Gene therapy is an emerging technology characterized by uncertainty in scientific knowledge with regard to benefits and risks. The development of a routinely used gene therapy to successfully fight against severe diseases is still under process. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness regarding gene therapy among Undergraduate and postgraduate students. Material and methods: A cross sectional questionnaire based study was carried out among postgraduate andundergraduate medical and allied students of the medical college for a period of six months regarding knowledge, attitude and awareness about gene therapy. Results: This study included 300 participants. Data from this study revealed a high level of awareness and knowledge of gene therapy and a positive attitude among the undergraduate and postgraduate students. Conclusion: Our results showed excellent knowledge about gene therapy among the medical and para medical students.