DNA Fingerprinting for Paternity Verification: Public Awareness and Utilisation in Abuja FCT

DNA fingerprinting using short tandem repeat (STR) profiling is the gold standard for paternity testing and forensic identification worldwide. Despite its scientific reliability, public understanding and uptake of this technology in Nigeria remains poorly characterised. This study assessed public awareness, attitudes, and utilisation of DNA paternity testing among adults in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 300 adults purposively recruited from three area councils spanning urban and peri-urban communities. The questionnaire covered knowledge of DNA testing principles, awareness of service availability, perceived cost barriers, and socio-cultural attitudes toward paternity disputes. A minority of respondents demonstrated accurate knowledge of how STR-based testing works, and fewer still had personally utilised or knew someone who had utilised the service. Cost, mistrust of laboratories, and cultural discomfort with challenging paternity were identified as major barriers. Urban residents and those with tertiary education demonstrated significantly higher awareness. These findings argue for public health communication campaigns to demystify genetic testing and expand access to affordable DNA services in the FCT. Keywords: DNA fingerprinting, paternity testing, STR profiling, Abuja FCT, public awareness