Survey of Attitude of Individuals with Genetic Disorders to Human Genome Modification; Responses from North-Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract

Gene editing of genomic and mitochondrial DNA for gene therapy holds great promise for curing inherited genetic disorders. In Nigeria, the National Biosafety Act 2019 is supposed to provide regulatory oversight over the use of gene editing and other modern biotechnologies. Individuals with genetic disorders and their families are major stakeholders to the use of gene editing technologies since they will be direct recipients of its potential benefits and risks. Hence, regulatory laws to guide the use of human genome modification must take into consideration their opinion and attitude to human genome modification. In this study we evaluated the attitude and perception of individuals with genetic disorders and their families to human genome modification in particular gene editing and mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT). A self-administered survey was developed and distributed within the community and major hospitals (Federal Medical Center, Yola and Specialist hospital Jimeta-Yola). A total of 27 people participated in the study. Majority of the respondents were well informed of human genome editing and they overwhelmingly supported its use to cure and reduce risks of diseases and not for enhancing features. Multiple regression analysis showed no association between participants responses and demographic variables of age, gender, religion, financial status and level of education.