Preparados ou não para o futuro? Atitudes de alunos de graduação em relação ao Projeto Genoma Humano

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate attitudes and perceptions of enrolled students of Biological Sciences, Medicine and Law courses at Universidade Estadual de Maringá (Maringá State University), state of Paraná, Brazil, regarding to The Human Genome Project (HGP). The research was carried out from October, 2002 to February, 2003, based on a questionnaire interview. The results showed that most academics had elementary knowledge of HGP, an optimistic expectation about the practical application of such studies, and also predisposition to participate in genetic tests. On the other hand, they showed few concerns regarding to ethical, social and legal issues of current biotechnological advances. Finally, the study concluded that more discussions and reflections urge on this issue in the higher education system.