Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Students of Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt About National DNA Database
International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine,
Vol. 7 No. 3(Summer) (2017),
5 August 2017
,
Page 145-150
https://doi.org/10.22037/ijmtfm.v7i3(Summer).16568
Abstract
Background: DNA database is used to identify individuals based on their specific DNA profiles. In Egypt, a definitive law describing and legalizing DNA related issues is absent; however, the Egyptian courts frequently deal with these issues. The legal authorities strongly suggest the impending need for detailed decrees in this regard that guard the safety of the whole Egyptian community. This paper aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of Medical students about Egyptian National DNA Database (END).
Methods: Data of this study were collected from 272 participants in the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University using interviewer administered questionnaire.
Results: The participants were 136 males and 136 females with mean (SD) age of 27(9) years. Majority of the participants (89.7%) were aware about national database out of their medical textbooks. Personal identification was the most chosen END benefit and database usefulness was the main motivation for them. About 29% suggested to start END with the detected crime scene stains and forensic doctors should freely access END.
Conclusion: These collective points of views might be useful in preparing some international and common ethical standards for the development of DNA databases framework.
- DNA database
- Egypt
- Sample type
- Data preservation
How to Cite
References
Wallace HM, Jackson AR, Gruber J, Thibedeau AD. Forensic DNA databases–Ethical and legal standards: A global review. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences. 2014; 4(3):57–63. doi: 10.1016/j.ejfs.2014.04.002
Suwa N, Ikegaya H, Takasaka T, Nishigaki K, Sakurada K. Human blood identification using the genome profiling method. Legal Medicine. 2012; 14(3):121–5. doi: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2012.01.001
Gymrek M, Golan D, Rosset S, Erlich Y. lobSTR: A short tandem repeat profiler for personal genomes. Genome Research. 2012; 22(6):1154–62. doi: 10.1101/gr.135780.111
Schneider PM, Martin PD. Criminal DNA databases: The European situation. Forensic Science International. 2001; 119(2):232–8. doi: 10.1016/s0379-0738(00)00435-7
Thibedeau AD. National forensic DNA databases. Massachusetts: Council for Responsible Genetics; 2011.
Guillen M. Ethical-legal problems of DNA databases in criminal investigation. Journal of Medical Ethics. 2000; 26(4):266–71. doi: 10.1136/jme.26.4.266
Machado H, Silva S. “Would you accept having your DNA profile inserted in the National Forensic DNA database? Why?” Results of a questionnaire applied in Portugal. Forensic Science International: Genetics. 2014; 8(1):132–6. doi: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2013.08.014
Knecht I, Whitman J. DNA knowledge among victim service providers. Washington, D.C.: The National Center For Victims Of Crime; 2008.
El-Alfy SH, Abd El-Hafez AF. Paternity testing and forensic DNA typing by multiplex STR analysis using ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyzer. Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. 2012; 10(1):101–12. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jgeb.2012.05.001
Maguire CN, McCallum LA, Storey C, Whitaker JP. Familial searching: A specialist forensic DNA profiling service utilising the National DNA Database to identify unknown offenders via their relatives-The UK experience. Forensic Science International: Genetics. 2014; 8(1):1–9. doi: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2013.07.004.
Gamero JJ, Romero JL, Peralta JL, Carvalho M, Corte-Real F. Spanish public awareness regarding DNA profile databases in forensic genetics: What type of DNA profiles should be included. Journal of Medical Ethics. 2007; 33(10):598–604. doi: 10.1136/jme.2006.016998.
Council of Europe. Convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as amended by protocol No. 11 Rome. In: Gorman JL, editor. Rights and Reason: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Rights. Durham: Acumen Publishing Limited; 2003. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/upo9781844653461.017
Wilson-Kovacs D, Wyatt D, Hauskeller C. “A Faustian bargain?” Public voices on forensic DNA technologies and the National DNA Database. New Genetics and Society. 2012; 31(3):285–98. doi: 10.1080/14636778.2012.687085.
Tidende B. Blood Bank as criminal album (Danish). 2007 [Cited 2007 September 7]. Available from: https://www.b.dk/danmark/blodbank-som-forbryderalbum
Gene Watch UK Briefing. DNA databases and human rights. Buxton: England and Wales Companies; 2011.
Williams R, Johnson P. Inclusiveness, effectiveness and intrusiveness: Issues in the developing uses of DNA profiling in support of criminal investigations. The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics. 2005; 33(3):545–58. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-720x.2005.tb00517.x.
Anon Pioneering Scientist Supports. DNA bank. Leicester: University of Leicester; 2007.
Ferreira STG, Paula KA, Maia FA, Svidzinski AE, Amaral MR, Diniz SA, et al. A study of the first DNA database of biological evidence from sexual assaults and rapes in Brazil. Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series. 2013; 4(1):368–9. doi: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2013.10.187.
- Abstract Viewed: 666 times
- PDF Downloaded: 350 times