Examination of university students' knowledge levels and attitudes about genetically modified organisms (GMO): Muğla Sitki Koçman University Faculty of Health Sciences case

The research was carried out to determine the knowledge level of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Faculty of Health Sciences students about Genetically Modified Organisms and their attitudes towards these products. 330 active students in the 2020-2021 academic year were included in the study, and the research data were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 statistical package program. 111 students of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department (33.6%), 90 students of the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department (27.3%), 90 students of the Nursing Department (27.3%) and 39 students of the Health Management Department (11.8%) were included in the study. 47.8% of the participants defined the genetically modified organism as gene-added food, 25.3% of the participants defined as hormone food and 9.9% of the participants pointed out as drug-added food. 35.3% of the participants stated that they learned Genetically Modified Organisms from the internet, 22.0% from television, 11.0% from the Genetically Modified Organisms course they took on this subject. 65.2% of the participants stated that genetically modified products are imported in Turkey and 52.7% specified that the transgenic products, which are not for nutrition, should not be allowed. 68.8% of the participants defined that the products, which were obtained from genetically modified animals and plants, would harm the human health and 72.7% of the participants stated that they thought GMOs could cause the genetic disorders. 72.7% of the participants in the study expressed concern about unknowingly consuming genetically modified products. It has been observed that the knowledge of future health professionals about Genetically Modified Organisms and their products is insufficient. It has been determined that the participants have intense concerns about genetically modified products and biosecurity. The results according to the findings obtained from the research were evaluated and appropriate suggestions were presented. Keywords: Genetically Modified Organism, biotechnology, health, knowledge attitude