<p>When asked about gene therapy, 67.58% of respondents indicated familiarity with the concept, while 32.42% had not heard of it. This demonstrates a moderate level of awareness, but it is clear that a third of the population remains unaware of gene therapy. This gap in knowledge represents a significant opportunity for educational efforts, as the lack of familiarity could impact the acceptance and support for gene therapy as a viable treatment option for CF. The comments suggest that many see gene therapy as an emerging field, but there is some confusion regarding its practical applications.</p>
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<Graph.HowWellInformedAboutCFPublic/>
<p>In terms of knowledge about CF, 58.60% of respondents stated that they are somewhat well informed, and only 21.66% felt extremely well informed (see diagram 2). A smaller portion, 13.38%, indicated that they are not very informed, and 6.37% admitted to being not informed at all. This suggests that while CF is recognized by a large portion of the public, deeper knowledge about the disease is lacking. That is why we are doing science communication at our various public outreach events! </p>
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<p>Respondents were asked what actions could be taken to improve CF awareness (see diagram 4). The most popular option, chosen by 22.87%, was publicity campaigns on TV, radio, and other mass media outlets. Information events at schools and universities followed at 13.20%, along with documentary films and short movies about life with CF (14.01%). These findings suggest that the public sees media as the most effective way to spread awareness, a strategy that could also be employed to educate about gene therapy. The public appears to favor visual and accessible formats, which could be used to highlight the benefits of new treatments like gene therapy. </p>
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<p>The survey reveals that 35.00% of respondents had a very positive view of gene therapy, and 30.00% rated it a 4 out of 5 (see diagram 20). Only 5.71% rated it a 2 or lower. The overall positivity suggests that many patients and families are hopeful about the potential of gene therapy, perhaps because of their familiarity with the limitations of current treatments. This optimism could be leveraged to support future clinical trials or educational initiatives.</p>
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<Graph.WhatCocernsAboutGeneTherapyatients/>
<Graph.WhatCocernsAboutGeneTherapyatients/>
<p>Concerns about gene therapy primarily revolved around safety and side effects and long-term effects (both 59.46%) (see diagram 22). Cost and accessibility also remain important issues for 32.43% of respondents. Only 0.54% expressed no concerns, showing that while there is optimism, there are significant fears to address. These concerns were similarly expressed in the general public survey but are more pronounced among patients, likely due to their firsthand experience with long-term treatments.</p>
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<Graph.WhatCocernsAboutGeneTherapyPublic/>
<Graph.WhatCocernsAboutGeneTherapyPublic/>
<p>The most common concern, shared by 28.77% of respondents, was related to the safety and side effects of gene therapy, followed by long-term effects (27.85%) and costs or accessibility (24.20%) (see diagram 9). Ethical questions were raised by 14.61% of participants, while only 4.57% had no concerns at all. These concerns echo comments made in other parts of the survey, where respondents expressed interest in learning more about the safety protocols and regulatory measures surrounding gene therapy. Clearly, addressing these concerns in future public engagements will be critical to fostering wider acceptance. </p>
