Competencies, Attitudes and Knowledge of Nurses about Genetics and Genomics at Maternal and Child Health Centers at Tanta City

Background: The study of genetic and genomic becomes provoital for understanding of human 
health and diseases. Community health nurses must possess necessary competencies to provide vital 
information, support, guidance, and education on genetic conditions. Aim of the study: To identify 
competencies, attitude and Knowledge of nurses about genetics and genomics. Subjects and 
Method: Study design: An analytical cross-sectional study design was utilized. Settings of the 
study: This study was conducted at maternal and child health centers (MCHs) at Tanta city.
Subjects: All nurses working at these MCH and medical centers in Tanta city was included in the 
study about (144 nurses). Tool: Structured questionnaire sheet was used in this study consisting of 
four parts. Part I: Socio-demographic characteristic of nurses. Part II: Nurses‘ competencies 
regarding genetics and genomics. Part III: Attitudes of community health nurse. Part IV: Nurses‘ 
knowledge about genetics and genomics toward genetic testing, delivery of genetic services and 
toward their role in genetics. Results: It was illustrated that the majority (93.1%) of the studied
nurses had positive attitude toward genetics and genomics. Meanwhile, almost all of them (100%) 
reported unsatisfactory competencies. Additionally, more than one third (41.7%) of them showed 
low knowledge level on genetics and genomics. Conclusion: All studied nurses had unsatisfactory 
competence, more than two fifth of them had low level of knowledge and the majority of them had 
positive attitude toward genetics and genomics topic. Recommendations: Providing ongoing 
education to enhance genetic and genomic competence among nurses of all degrees and practice 
areas.