Multifactorial Analysis on Interest, Perceived Importance, and Knowledge of Medical Biotechnology Among Medical Students: Questionnaire Pilot-testing and Preliminary Study

¹ Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
² Division of Digestive and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dr. Suhardi Hardjolukito Central Air Force National Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: airel.pratama12@gmail.com

Abstract

Advances in biotechnology have significantly influenced modern medical practices, raising the question: how do medical students perceive biotechnology? This study examines the relationship between years of study, specialty interests, and medical students' perceptions of biotechnology in terms of interest, perceived importance, and knowledge. A questionnaire was developed and pilot-tested on 30 respondents to assess validity and reliability. The final survey was distributed to 165 medical students across years one to six in Indonesia. Results indicate that as students progress through medical school, their interest and perceived importance of biotechnology decline, while their knowledge increases, suggesting a shift in academic focus toward clinical training. However, specialty interest was not found to significantly influence biotechnology perceptions, implying that students view its applications as universally relevant across medical fields. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating biotechnology education into medical curricula, ensuring that future physicians remain engaged and effectively apply biotechnological advancements in clinical practice.