Public Perception of Human Genetic Engineering in Nigeria: An Analysis of Youth Approval for Therapeutic and Non-Therapeutic Uses: Evidence from Multivariate Analytics

Abstract

While genetic engineering (GE) presents transformative potential for medicine, global public perception varies significantly, influenced by cultural, ethical, and educational factors. Extensive research exists in Western contexts, but there is a critical paucity of empirical data on attitudes within African populations, particularly regarding the distinction between therapeutic and non-therapeutic applications. This study investigates the determinants of GE approval among Nigerian youth using a multivariate analytical framework. Data from a sample of Nigerian youths (N=1,517) were analyzed through binary logistic regression to model the likelihood of approval. The model assessed the influence of formal education, domain-specific perceptions (risk reduction, disease prevention, human enhancement), and overarching ethical considerations. The analysis revealed a strong gradient of approval, with highest support for therapeutic applications (e.g., treating fatal diseases: 92.52%) and significantly lower support for enhancement-based uses (e.g., intelligence improvement: 71.31%). Tertiary education was a powerful positive predictor of approval (OR = 3.897, p = 0.003). In the full multivariate model, perceptions of risk reduction for fatal diseases (OR = 3.745, p < 0.001) and approval for preventing non-fatal diseases (OR = 3.836, p < 0.001) were the strongest attitudinal drivers. Conversely, fundamental ethical concerns significantly diminished the likelihood of approval (OR = -1.342, p = 0.037). The full model demonstrated a significantly improved fit over a baseline education-only model (Pseudo R² = 0.3720). Nigerian youth are generally supportive of therapeutic GE but cautious about enhancement applications. Acceptance is driven by a combination of educational attainment, perceived medical utility, and the resolution of core ethical objections. These findings underscore the need for nuanced, context-specific public engagement and science communication strategies in Nigeria that address ethical concerns while highlighting therapeutic benefits to foster informed societal consensus.