Advancing Genomic Nursing: Clinical Perspectives and Awareness in Iraq and Kurdistan Region

Background: Genomic nursing is an emerging field in modern healthcare that integrates genetic and genomic knowledge into clinical nursing practice. Despite global advancements in precision medicine, the level of genomic nursing awareness and preparedness among nurses in developing countries remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness toward genomic nursing among nursing students and graduates in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and to examine the relationship between demographic factors and genomic nursing competency. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 228 participants from 15 nursing colleges and institutions across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, knowledge of genomic nursing, attitudes, and preparedness. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29, applying Chi-square test, t-test, and ANOVA. Results: The findings revealed that only 10.5% of participants had good knowledge of genomic nursing, while 89.5% demonstrated poor knowledge. However, participants showed generally positive attitudes and moderate preparedness toward integrating genomics into nursing practice. Previous training was significantly associated with higher knowledge, more positive attitudes, and greater preparedness (P < 0.05). A highly significant association was found between knowledge level and preparedness (χ² = 21.84, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Although nursing students and graduates in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region demonstrate positive attitudes toward genomic nursing, their knowledge and clinical preparedness remain insufficient. Curriculum reform, competency-based education, and structured genomic nursing training programs are urgently needed to support the integration of precision healthcare into nursing practice.