Genomic Literacy Levels and Their Predictors: A Nine-Country European Survey

Background

High genomic literacy (GL) is vital for the effective integration of genomics into healthcare systems, yet limited evidence exists regarding its current levels across populations. This study aims to assess GL levels and identify their predictors across nine European countries.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted via a web panel in Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, and Estonia. GL was measured using the Genomic Literacy, Attitudes, and Confidence scale, which assesses genetic term familiarity (subjective GL) and genetic knowledge (objective GL). Data were analyzed using survey-weighted linear regressions to evaluate the concordance between the two GL sub-scales and their associated socio-demographic factors.

Results

We included 6,064 participants. The sample was well-balanced by gender (female participation ranged from 49.6% in Italy to 54.4% in Estonia), with mean ages ranging from 45.7 years in Italy to 50.2 years in Germany. Subjective and objective GL levels varied significantly across the countries, with Sweden and Italy consistently reporting the highest scores, while Portugal and Greece showed the lowest. A strong and significant concordance was found between the two GL sub-scales, both overall and within countries. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that a higher educational level and female gender were positively associated with both GL sub-scales, while age and migration status were not significant predictors. Geographic differences were also noted, with Italy showing the highest values in both analyses. Other factors, such as income, religiosity, and political spectrum, had variable associations in both models.

Conclusions

GL in Europe seems to be significantly shaped by education level, gender, and socio-economic variables. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to address these disparities and foster equitable genomic medicine in healthcare systems.

Key messages

• This nine-country survey shows that Genomic Literacy (GL) levels vary significantly across Europe, with Sweden and Italy showing the highest scores, while Portugal and Greece report the lowest.

• Multivariable regressions confirmed geographic variability in GL levels and revealed key socio-demographic disparities, including education level, gender, income, religiosity and political spectrum.