Public attitudes to human gene therapy: a pilot study in Wales

Rachel Iredale; Gina Dolan; Kevin McDonald; Maggie Kirk

doi:10.1159/000078161

Public attitudes to human gene therapy: a pilot study in Wales

Rachel Iredale, Gina Dolan, Kevin McDonald, Maggie Kirk

Faculty of Life Sciences and Education

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore some factors influencing perceptions of human gene therapy.

METHOD: A small qualitative study using two semi-structured interviews per participant (n = 22). The groups comprised (1) people with cystic fibrosis and members of their family (n = 9), and (2) students from a science evening class as well as lay members of the public selected from the practice list of a local general practitioner (n = 13).

RESULTS: This pilot study demonstrates support for somatic gene therapy and ambivalence about germline gene therapy. A clear distinction is drawn between therapy and enhancement, with the majority opposing gene enhancement.

CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes towards the acceptability of gene therapy are not necessarily determined by experience of, or exposure to, a genetic condition. More research is needed with the general public to determine what is perceived to be acceptable public policy in this field.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	139-46
Number of pages	8
Journal	Community Genetics
Volume	6
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1159/000078161
Publication status	Published - 1 Jan 2003

Keywords

Adolescent
Adult
Attitude to Health
Female
Genetic Therapy
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pilot Projects
Public Opinion
Qualitative Research
Surveys and Questionnaires
Wales

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title = "Public attitudes to human gene therapy: a pilot study in Wales",

abstract = "OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore some factors influencing perceptions of human gene therapy.METHOD: A small qualitative study using two semi-structured interviews per participant (n = 22). The groups comprised (1) people with cystic fibrosis and members of their family (n = 9), and (2) students from a science evening class as well as lay members of the public selected from the practice list of a local general practitioner (n = 13).RESULTS: This pilot study demonstrates support for somatic gene therapy and ambivalence about germline gene therapy. A clear distinction is drawn between therapy and enhancement, with the majority opposing gene enhancement.CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes towards the acceptability of gene therapy are not necessarily determined by experience of, or exposure to, a genetic condition. More research is needed with the general public to determine what is perceived to be acceptable public policy in this field.",

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doi = "10.1159/000078161",

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T1 - Public attitudes to human gene therapy

T2 - a pilot study in Wales

AU - Iredale, Rachel

AU - Dolan, Gina

AU - McDonald, Kevin

AU - Kirk, Maggie

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Y1 - 2003/1/1

N2 - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore some factors influencing perceptions of human gene therapy.METHOD: A small qualitative study using two semi-structured interviews per participant (n = 22). The groups comprised (1) people with cystic fibrosis and members of their family (n = 9), and (2) students from a science evening class as well as lay members of the public selected from the practice list of a local general practitioner (n = 13).RESULTS: This pilot study demonstrates support for somatic gene therapy and ambivalence about germline gene therapy. A clear distinction is drawn between therapy and enhancement, with the majority opposing gene enhancement.CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes towards the acceptability of gene therapy are not necessarily determined by experience of, or exposure to, a genetic condition. More research is needed with the general public to determine what is perceived to be acceptable public policy in this field.

AB - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore some factors influencing perceptions of human gene therapy.METHOD: A small qualitative study using two semi-structured interviews per participant (n = 22). The groups comprised (1) people with cystic fibrosis and members of their family (n = 9), and (2) students from a science evening class as well as lay members of the public selected from the practice list of a local general practitioner (n = 13).RESULTS: This pilot study demonstrates support for somatic gene therapy and ambivalence about germline gene therapy. A clear distinction is drawn between therapy and enhancement, with the majority opposing gene enhancement.CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes towards the acceptability of gene therapy are not necessarily determined by experience of, or exposure to, a genetic condition. More research is needed with the general public to determine what is perceived to be acceptable public policy in this field.

KW - Adolescent

KW - Adult

KW - Attitude to Health

KW - Female

KW - Genetic Therapy

KW - Humans

KW - Male

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Pilot Projects

KW - Public Opinion

KW - Qualitative Research

KW - Surveys and Questionnaires

KW - Wales

U2 - 10.1159/000078161

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VL - 6

SP - 139

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JO - Community Genetics

JF - Community Genetics

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Public attitudes to human gene therapy: a pilot study in Wales

Abstract

Keywords

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