Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine students' knowledge and opinions regarding genetically modified organisms

Purpose:This study aimed to examine knowledge, attitude and behaviour about genetically modified organisms in medical faculty students in Pamukkale University. Materials and methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical faculty students at Pamukkale University in June 2013. 377 students participated in the study. The questionnaire includes 43 questions created by researchers. 9 of these questions were about socio-demographic data, 34 of them were about genetically modified organisms. Data were evaluated by descriptive statistics and either the Pearson Chi-square or the Fisher’s test was used to determine the statistical differences between categorical variables. Results:81.4% of students who participated in the study think their knowledge about GM foods is insufficient. 82.4% of preclinical students and 56.2% of the clinical stage students stated that GMOs are produced in Turkey (p <0.001). 88.3% of preclinical students and 66.1% of the clinical stage students stated that GMOs is imported in Turkey (p <0.001). Conclusion: Study results revealed that inclusion of training activities about GMOs to the curriculum of medical schools is appropriate and necessary. Pam Med J 2015;8(2):92-98