Awareness, Knowledge and Perception of DNA Analysis among Residents of Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria

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Abstract

Several studies have shown the various applications of DNA analysis in fields like forensic sciences and medicine. In Nigeria, a fair percentage of the human population have little awareness, knowledge and perception of this technology. This study therefore aimed at assessing the level of awareness, knowledge and perception of DNA analysis among Benin City residents. A total of 100 residents participated in this study. They are males (n = 50) and females (n = 50) of various Nigerian tribes with different occupational and educational levels, aged above 21years residing in Benin City. A structured and segmented questionnaire was used to obtain demographical information of the participants as well as their consents. Results revealed fairly high awareness and knowledge of DNA testing amongst residents of Benin City. Perception towards DNA analysis was generally positive; However, negative awareness were evident in whether DNA is a living thing, where it can be found, whether DNA can be destroyed, carrying out medical test as a result of crime, knowing any outfits that analyze DNA in Benin City and use of DNA technology to unravel crime. Also of concern is false high knowledge that DNA technology can be used to select spouse and lack of knowledge on the importance of DNA testing in natural disaster to identify victims. But surprisingly, high positivity response was recorded on participants’ expectation that government should establish more DNA analysis centres through legislation and general perception of DNA analysis respectively. Conclusively, the awareness, knowledge and perception of the participants on DNA analysis in this study are fairly high.

Keywords: DNA analysis, Awareness, Knowledge, Perception, Nigeria

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