Academic Level and Gender-based Mapping of High School Student’s Genetic Literacy: A Cross Sectional Study in Indonesia

Abstract (Objective) Genetic literacy relates to knowledge and skills in utilizing genetic principles for solving various problems or issues related to genetics. Genetic literacy is an essential ability for students to master, as it is related to various current issues, especially in the fields of health and agriculture. However, research on genetic literacy has not been properly developed from different perspectives, including those related to academic level and gender. Therefore, to fill this gap, the present research seeks to measure the genetic literacy of Indonesian high school students in relation to their academic level and gender. (Methodology) Data were collected using an analytic observational cross-sectional study. The research participants were 1102 students from 55 senior high schools in Indonesia. The participants took a test, which had been evaluated for validity and reliability. The data was then analyzed using ANOVA, and the participants’ genetic literacy levels were categorized as adequate or inadequate. (Results). The study showed that students’ genetic literacy was relatively inadequate. While academic level was significantly related to students’ genetic literacy, gender was not. (Conclusions) The results of this study indicate that the academic level has a significant effect on the level of students’ genetic literacy, while gender does not. The findings support the conclusion that genetic literacy needs to be considered in education, and that it is necessary that teachers and schools design appropriate strategies to empower and increase students’ genetic literacy in high school settings.