A cross-sectional study of genomic knowledge comfort, attitudes, ethical and educational perspectives on precision medicine among medical students in Ecuador.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Precision medicine is increasingly transforming clinical practice, yet its effective implementation depends on adequately trained healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed genomic knowledge comfort, attitudes, ethical perceptions, and educational perspectives regarding precision medicine among medical students in Samborondón, Greater Guayaquil, Ecuador. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and November 2025 using a structured questionnaire. A total of 340 students participated. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including non-parametric tests and Spearman correlation, were performed. RESULTS: Participants demonstrated relatively high but uneven genomic knowledge comfort (median 81.3%) and positive attitudes toward precision medicine (65.6%), alongside moderate ethical (62.5%) and educational perception scores (68.8%). While students strongly recognized the importance of precision medicine, perceived preparedness remained limited. Lower confidence was observed in advanced topics such as pharmacogenomics and next-generation sequencing. Ethical concerns were more pronounced at the societal level, particularly regarding health inequities, rather than individual risks. Correlation analyses revealed generally weak associations across domains, with only a moderate relationship between ethical and educational perceptions. CONCLUSION: These outcomes highlight a gap between acceptance and readiness, suggesting fragmented competency development. Strengthening curricula through integrated, applied, and context-specific training is essential to support effective implementation of precision medicine in low- and middle-income settings.