Readiness for precision medicine: pharmacogenomic literacy among adults surveyed in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Pharmacogenomics is increasingly being incorporated into precision medicine to support safer and more effective drug therapy. As the clinical use of pharmacogenomic testing expands, public understanding of its purpose and limitations becomes increasingly important. However, information on pharmacogenomic literacy among the general population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess pharmacogenomic literacy among adults in the UAE using the Minnesota Assessment of Pharmacogenomic Literacy (MAPL) and to examine sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with pharmacogenomic literacy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between March and May 2026 among adults living in the UAE. Pharmacogenomic literacy was measured using the validated 15-item MAPL. Scores were classified as low, moderate, or high according to Bloom's cut-off criteria. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and MAPL responses. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with pharmacogenomic literacy. Associations were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 626 individuals participated. The mean MAPL score was 8.1 (95% CI 7.9-8.2). Overall, 59.4% of participants had low pharmacogenomic literacy, 36.6% had moderate literacy, and 4.0% had high literacy. Participants generally showed good knowledge of basic genetic concepts, but important misconceptions were identified regarding the clinical role of pharmacogenomic testing. More than 60% incorrectly believed that pharmacogenomic testing could identify the best medication, predict responses to all medicines, or establish a medical diagnosis. Previous experience with genetic testing was associated with higher pharmacogenomic literacy (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 2.09-2.83; p < 0.001). Participants aged 35-44 years had slightly lower odds of higher literacy than those aged 45 years or older (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.82-1.00; p < 0.05). No significant associations were observed for sex and employment status.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacogenomic literacy among adults in the UAE was limited despite a reasonable understanding of basic genetic principles. The largest knowledge gaps concerned the clinical applications and limitations of pharmacogenomic testing. Previous genetic testing experience was associated with better literacy. These findings support accessible educational initiatives and patient-centered communication to promote informed use of pharmacogenomics as precision medicine becomes more widely implemented.