Assessment of public awareness and willingness to establish a forensic DNA and odontology national database in Egypt: a cross-sectional study
Abstract Background The healthcare and criminal justice sectors could benefit significantly from establishing national deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and dental registries. The viability of these registries would depend on the public's awareness and willingness to provide their profiles. This stud...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SpringerOpen
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-025-00464-y |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background The healthcare and criminal justice sectors could benefit significantly from establishing national deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and dental registries. The viability of these registries would depend on the public's awareness and willingness to provide their profiles. This study assessed public knowledge and perceptions regarding the importance of national forensic DNA and dental databases in Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted on forensic dental and DNA databases in Egypt from October 2023 to April 2024. A structured online questionnaire was used to gather data on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of the national DNA and forensic dental databases, and willingness to support a national database. A convenience sampling technique was utilized, with a Google Form created and the questionnaire shared on social media platforms in Egypt. Results The survey involved 582 participants, aged between 18 and 76 years; approximately two-thirds (67.4%) were female, and the majority (90.4%) held a university education. Nearly two-thirds of the participants (64.4%) were aware of national DNA databases, which store and compare DNA profiles. However, most participants (91.8%) were unfamiliar with Egypt's forensic DNA database. Additionally, 89.8% agreed that Egypt should have a national DNA database, and 70.5% expressed willingness to submit their genetic profiles. Most participants (82.5%) were unsure or unaware of national dental databases; however, they acknowledged their storage and comparison functions. The study revealed significant relationships between knowledge scores and sociodemographic characteristics, with females being more knowledgeable about dental databases and those working in the health sector more acquainted with dental and DNA databases than individuals in other fields. Conclusions Participants exhibited a positive attitude but only moderate awareness of Egypt's national DNA database and limited knowledge about dental databases. Despite concerns about privacy and data misuse, most people acknowledged the potential benefits of using these services. The findings suggest that sociodemographic factors, especially gender and field of work, impact knowledge of these databases. More initiatives are needed to raise public awareness about forensic DNA and dentistry through health promotion and education programs. |
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| ISSN: | 2090-5939 |