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Fortin O, Mulkey SB, Fraser JL. Advancing fetal diagnosis and prognostication using comprehensive prenatal phenotyping and genetic testing. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03343-9. [PMID: 38937640 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal diagnoses of congenital malformations have increased significantly in recent years with use of high-resolution prenatal imaging. Despite more precise radiological diagnoses, discussions with expectant parents remain challenging because congenital malformations are associated with a wide spectrum of outcomes. Comprehensive prenatal genetic testing has become an essential tool that improves the accuracy of prognostication. Testing strategies include chromosomal microarray, exome sequencing, and genome sequencing. The diagnostic yield varies depending on the specific malformations, severity of the abnormalities, and multi-organ involvement. The utility of prenatal genetic diagnosis includes increased diagnostic clarity for clinicians and families, informed pregnancy decision-making, neonatal care planning, and reproductive planning. Turnaround time for results of comprehensive genetic testing remains a barrier, especially for parents that are decision-making, although this has improved over time. Uncertainty inherent to many genetic testing results is a challenge. Appropriate genetic counseling is essential for parents to understand the diagnosis and prognosis and to make informed decisions. Recent research has investigated the yield of exome or genome sequencing in structurally normal fetuses, both with non-invasive screening methods and invasive diagnostic testing; the prenatal diagnostic community must evaluate and analyze the significant ethical considerations associated with this practice prior to generalizing its use. IMPACT: Reviews available genetic testing options during the prenatal period in detail. Discusses the impact of prenatal genetic testing on care using case-based examples. Consolidates the current literature on the yield of genetic testing for prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Fortin
- Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sarah B Mulkey
- Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jamie L Fraser
- Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Rare Disease Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many serious or life-threatening neurologic conditions are first diagnosed during the fetal period, often following a routine ultrasound or sonographic evaluation after an abnormal aneuploidy screen. Such conditions represent a worrisome or unexpected finding for expectant parents, making the perinatal period a critical time point to engage and empower families encountering complex neurologic clinical scenarios. This review covers the role of perinatal palliative care in these settings. STUDY DESIGN This study is a topical review RESULTS: The prenatal identification of structural abnormalities of the brain or spinal cord, radiographic signs of hemorrhage or ischemic injury, or evidence of genetic or metabolic conditions should prompt involvement of a fetal palliative care team. The inherent prognostic uncertainty is challenging for prenatally diagnosed neurologic conditions which have difficult to predict short and long-term outcomes. While many of these conditions lead to the birth of an infant with neurodevelopmental challenges, few result in in utero demise. Palliative care beginning in the perinatal period provides an additional layer of support for families navigating complex decision-making during their pregnancy and provides continuity of care into the newborn period. Palliative care principles can help guide discussions around genetic and other diagnostic testing, fetal surgery, and birth planning. A multidisciplinary team can help support families with decision-making and through bereavement care in the setting of fetal or neonatal death. CONCLUSION Early palliative care team involvement can provide a more holistic approach to counseling, facilitate planning, and ensure that a family's goals and wishes are acknowledged throughout an infant's care trajectory. KEY POINTS · Many serious or life-threatening neurologic conditions are diagnosed during the fetal period.. · Palliative care principles should be incorporated in the fetal period for affected patients.. · Palliative care clinicians can aid parents and clinicians in shared decision-making.. · Palliative care principles should be employed by all care providers in relevant cases..
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharla Rent
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Monica E. Lemmon
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sarah Ellestad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Margarita Bidegain
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Grafft N, Dwyer AA, Pineros-Leano M. Latinx individuals' knowledge of, preferences for, and experiences with prenatal genetic testing: a scoping review. Reprod Health 2022; 19:134. [PMID: 35668466 PMCID: PMC9169270 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01438-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends prenatal genetic testing (PGT) be offered to all pregnant persons regardless of known risk factors. However, significant racial/ethnic differences exist regarding acceptance of PGT contributing to disparities. Latinas (Latinx), one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, have low PGT acceptance rates. This systematic scoping review aimed to provide a landscape of existing literature on Latinx individuals' knowledge of, preferences for, and experiences with prenatal and preconception genetic testing. Synthesizing the current state of the science may inform development of culturally tailored interventions to support high-quality PGT decisions (e.g., informed, aligned with a pregnant persons' values). METHODS We conducted a structured, systematic literature search of published articles and gray literature in electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Eric, Social Services Abstracts, and PsycArticles). Articles in English published prior to March 2021 were retrieved relating to genetics, pregnancy, and Latina women. Articles underwent title, abstract and full-text review by independent investigators to assess inclusion and exclusion criteria. Risk of bias was evaluated by two investigators. Iterative thematic analysis was employed to group study findings into themes to identify possible targets for interventions. RESULTS The search generated 5511 unique articles. After title screening, 335 underwent abstract review and subsequently 61 full-text review. Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria and 7 additional studies were included after reviewing reference lists. Three overarching themes emerged: genetic knowledge/literacy (26/35, 74%), provider (mis)communication/patient satisfaction (21/35, 60%), and cross-cultural beliefs (12/35, 34%). Studies indicate discordant patient-provider language (n = 5), miscommunication (n = 4), and lack of concordant decision-making (n = 4) pose barriers to high-quality PGT decisions. Immigration status (n = 1) and religious beliefs (n = 5) are additional factors influencing PGT decisions. CONCLUSIONS Identified studies suggest that cultural and linguistic factors affect Latinx PGT decision-making. Latinx individual's comprehension and recall of PGT information is enhanced by culturally and linguistically concordant providers-suggesting that culturally-informed interventions may enhance PGT acceptability and support high-quality decisions. Future directions to surmount PGT disparities may include community health workers and cultural brokers to empower Latinx people to make informed decisions aligned with their values and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Grafft
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 20467, USA.
| | - Andrew A Dwyer
- William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Impact of prenatal exome sequencing for fetal genetic diagnosis on maternal psychological outcomes and decisional conflict in a prospective cohort. Genet Med 2020; 23:713-719. [PMID: 33214710 PMCID: PMC8503913 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-01025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate associations between prenatal trio exome sequencing (trio-ES) and psychological outcomes among women with an anomalous pregnancy. METHODS Trio-ES study enrolling patients with major fetal anomaly and normal microarray. Women completed self-reported measures and free response interviews at two timepoints: pre- (1) and post- (2) sequencing. Pre-sequencing responses were compared with post-sequencing responses; post-sequencing responses were stratified by women who received trio-ES results that may explain fetal findings, secondary findings (medically actionable or couples with heterozygous variants for the same recessive disorder), or negative results. RESULTS One hundred fifteen trios were enrolled. Of those, 41/115 (35.7%) received results from trio-ES, including 36 (31.3%) who received results that may explain the fetal phenotype. These women had greater post-sequencing distress compared with women who received negative results, including generalized distress (p = 0.03) and test-related distress (p = 0.2); they also had worse psychological adaptation to results (p = 0.001). Genomic knowledge did not change from pre- to post-sequencing (p = 0.51). CONCLUSION Women show more distress after receiving trio-ES results compared with those who do not, suggesting that women receiving results may need additional support or counseling to inform current and future reproductive decisions.
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Abstract
Prenatal whole exome sequencing (WES) has the potential to increase the ability to provide more diagnostic capabilities in fetuses with sonographic abnormalities, which would then improve the ability to counsel families. It is also often the first step in improving the path toward informed diagnosis and treatment, which is especially important in the era of advancing in utero fetal therapy. This article discusses the current literature regarding prenatal WES, clinical indications for WES, challenges with interpretation/counseling (variants of unknown significance), research priorities, ethical issues, and potential future advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie C Jelin
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 500 North Wolfe Street, Phipps 222, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Neeta Vora
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3010 Old Clinic Building/Cb# 7516, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Vora NL, Powell B, Brandt A, Strande N, Hardisty E, Gilmore K, Foreman AKM, Wilhelmsen K, Bizon C, Reilly J, Owen P, Powell CM, Skinner D, Rini C, Lyerly AD, Boggess KA, Weck K, Berg JS, Evans JP. Prenatal exome sequencing in anomalous fetuses: new opportunities and challenges. Genet Med 2017; 19:1207-1216. [PMID: 28518170 PMCID: PMC5675748 DOI: 10.1038/gim.2017.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeWe investigated the diagnostic and clinical performance of exome sequencing in fetuses with sonographic abnormalities with normal karyotype and microarray and, in some cases, normal gene-specific sequencing.MethodsExome sequencing was performed on DNA from 15 anomalous fetuses and from the peripheral blood of their parents. Parents provided consent to be informed of diagnostic results in the fetus, medically actionable findings in the parents, and their identification as carrier couples for significant autosomal recessive conditions. We assessed the perceptions and understanding of exome sequencing using mixed methods in 15 mother-father dyads.ResultsIn seven (47%) of 15 fetuses, exome sequencing provided a diagnosis or possible diagnosis with identification of variants in the following genes: COL1A1, MUSK, KCTD1, RTTN, TMEM67, PIEZO1 and DYNC2H1. One additional case revealed a de novo nonsense mutation in a novel candidate gene (MAP4K4). The perceived likelihood that exome sequencing would explain the results (5.2 on a 10-point scale) was higher than the approximately 30% diagnostic yield discussed in pretest counseling.ConclusionExome sequencing had diagnostic utility in a highly select population of fetuses where a genetic diagnosis was highly suspected. Challenges related to genetics literacy and variant interpretation must be addressed by highly tailored pre- and posttest genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeta L. Vora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Bradford Powell
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Alicia Brandt
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Natasha Strande
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Emily Hardisty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kelly Gilmore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ann Katherine M. Foreman
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences (NC TraCS) Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kirk Wilhelmsen
- Departments of Genetics and Neurology, Renaissance Computing Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Chris Bizon
- Departments of Genetics and Neurology, Renaissance Computing Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jason Reilly
- Departments of Genetics and Neurology, Renaissance Computing Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Phil Owen
- Departments of Genetics and Neurology, Renaissance Computing Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Cynthia M. Powell
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Debra Skinner
- FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Christine Rini
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Anne D. Lyerly
- Department of Social Medicine and Center for Bioethics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kim A. Boggess
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Karen Weck
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jonathan S. Berg
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - James P. Evans
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Social Medicine and Center for Bioethics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Inra JA, Steyerberg EW, Grover S, McFarland A, Syngal S, Kastrinos F. Racial variation in frequency and phenotypes of APC and MUTYH mutations in 6,169 individuals undergoing genetic testing. Genet Med 2015; 17:815-21. [PMID: 25590978 PMCID: PMC4904772 DOI: 10.1038/gim.2014.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess whether differences in frequency and phenotype of APC and MUTYH mutations exist among racially/ethnically diverse populations. METHODS We studied 6,169 individuals with a personal and/or family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) and polyps. APC testing involved full sequencing/large rearrangement analysis (FS/LRA); MUTYH involved "panel testing" (for Y165C, G382D mutations) or FS/LRA performed by Myriad Genetics, a commercial laboratory. Subjects were identified as Caucasian, Asian, African American (AA), or other. Statistical tests included χ(2), Fisher's exact test, analysis of variance, and z approximation. RESULTS Among participants, 17.5% had pathogenic APC mutations and 4.8% were biallelic MUTYH carriers. With regard to race/ethnicity, 18% were non-Caucasian, with >100 adenomas and younger ages at adenoma or CRC diagnosis (P < 0.0001) than Caucasians. The overall APC mutation rate was higher in Asians, AAs, and others as compared with Caucasians (25.2, 30.9, 24, and 15.5%, respectively; P < 0.0001) but was similar in all groups when adjusted for polyp burden. More MUTYH biallelic carriers were Caucasian or other than Asian or AA (5, 7, 2.7, and 0.3%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Among Caucasians, 5% were biallelic carriers identified by panel testing versus 2% identified by sequencing/large rearrangement analysis (LRA) (P = 0.002). Among non-Caucasians, 3% undergoing panel testing were biallelic carriers versus 10% identified by sequencing/LRA (P < 0.0002). CONCLUSION Non-Caucasians undergo genetic testing at more advanced stages of polyposis and/or are younger at CRC/polyp diagnosis. Restricted MUTYH analysis may miss significant numbers of biallelic carriers, particularly in non-Caucasians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Inra
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ewout W. Steyerberg
- Center for Medical Decision Making, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shilpa Grover
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ashley McFarland
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Sapna Syngal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Population Sciences Division, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Fay Kastrinos
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY
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Sayres LC, Allyse M, Goodspeed TA, Cho MK. Demographic and experiential correlates of public attitudes towards cell-free fetal DNA screening. J Genet Couns 2014; 23:957-67. [PMID: 24715419 PMCID: PMC4192103 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-014-9704-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study seeks to inform clinical application of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) screening as a novel method for prenatal trisomy detection by investigating public attitudes towards this technology and demographic and experiential characteristics related to these attitudes. Two versions of a 25-item survey assessing interest in cffDNA and existing first-trimester combined screening for either trisomy 13 and 18 or trisomy 21 were distributed among 3,164 members of the United States public. Logistic regression was performed to determine variables predictive of interest in screening options. Approximately 47% of respondents expressed an interest in cffDNA screening for trisomy 13, 18, and 21, with a majority interested in cffDNA screening as a stand-alone technique. A significantly greater percent would consider termination of pregnancy following a diagnosis of trisomy 13 or 18 (52%) over one of trisomy 21 (44%). Willingness to consider abortion of an affected pregnancy was the strongest correlate to interest in both cffDNA and first-trimester combined screening, although markedly more respondents expressed an interest in some form of screening (69% and 71%, respectively) than would consider termination. Greater educational attainment, higher income, and insurance coverage predicted interest in cffDNA screening; stronger religious identification also corresponded to decreased interest. Prior experience with disability and genetic testing was associated with increased interest in cffDNA screening. Several of these factors, in addition to advanced age and Asian race, were, in turn, predictive of respondents' increased willingness to consider post-diagnosis termination of pregnancy. In conclusion, divergent attitudes towards cffDNA screening--and prenatal options more generally--appear correlated with individual socioeconomic and religious backgrounds and experiences with disability and genetic testing. Clinical implementation and counseling for novel prenatal technologies should take these diverse stakeholder values into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan Allyse
- Science & Society, Duke University; Durham, North Carolina
| | - Taylor A. Goodspeed
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University; Stanford, California
| | - Mildred K. Cho
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University; Stanford, California
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, Stanford University; Stanford, California
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Abstract
Developments in genomics continue to increase the number of disorders for which genetic testing is available, whether in the primary healthcare system, through direct-to-consumer testing, or as part of expanded newborn screening panels. This paper reviews a robust literature on public attitudes toward genetics and genetic testing. In general, attitudes are positive about genetic research and new genomic technologies, with majorities indicating an interest in genetic testing. However, complex beliefs comprise the public's thinking about genetics. Attitudes are driven by beliefs about the type of genetic research, the personal and clinical utility of tests, and the area of genetics in which testing is applied. Limitations of current research are noted and suggestions made for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Etchegary
- Clinical Epidemiology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, Room H1407, Level 1, Health Sciences Centre, 300 Prince Phillip Drive, St John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
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Pivetti M, Melotti G, Morselli D, Olivieri M. Psychosocial factors affecting uptake of prenatal genetic testing: a pilot study. Prenat Diagn 2013; 33:1276-82. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.4248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Pivetti
- Department of Psychological, Humanistic and Territorial Sciences; University of Chieti-Pescara; Chieti Italy
| | - Giannino Melotti
- Department of Education ‘Giovanni Maria Bertin’; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Davide Morselli
- Institute of Social Science; University of Lausanne; Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Mariangela Olivieri
- Department of Psychological, Humanistic and Territorial Sciences; University of Chieti-Pescara; Chieti Italy
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Pivetti M, Montali L, Simonetti G. The discourse around usefulness, morality, risk and trust: a focus group study on prenatal genetic testing. Prenat Diagn 2012; 32:1205-11. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.3990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Pivetti
- Department of Psychological, Humanistic and Territorial Sciences; University of Chieti-Pescara; Chieti Italy
| | - Lorenzo Montali
- Department of Psychology; University of Milan-Bicocca; Milan Italy
| | - Giorgia Simonetti
- Department of Psychological, Humanistic and Territorial Sciences; University of Chieti-Pescara; Chieti Italy
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Abstract
The existing research base on public attitudes about genetics shows that people's attitudes vary according to the specific technologies and purposes to which genetic knowledge is applied. Genetic testing is viewed highly favorably, genetically modified food is viewed with ambivalence, and cloning is viewed negatively. Attitudes are favorable for uses that maintain a perceived natural order and unfavorable for uses that are perceived to change it. Public concerns about control of genetic information and eugenics are evident, but their strength and relevance to policy preference are unclear. The pattern of attitudes can be explained by theories of attitude formation, and the existing base of information can be deepened and given more explanatory and predictive power by integrating future research into the various traditions that theorize attitude formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste M Condit
- Department of Speech Communication, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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13
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Jonassaint CR, Santos ER, Glover CM, Payne PW, Fasaye GA, Oji-Njideka N, Hooker S, Hernandez W, Foster MW, Kittles RA, Royal CD. Regional differences in awareness and attitudes regarding genetic testing for disease risk and ancestry. Hum Genet 2010; 128:249-60. [PMID: 20549517 PMCID: PMC2940428 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-010-0845-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 06/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the lay public’s awareness and attitudes concerning genetic testing and what factors influence their perspectives. The existing literature focuses mainly on ethnic and socioeconomic differences; however, here we focus on how awareness and attitudes regarding genetic testing differ by geographical regions in the US. We compared awareness and attitudes concerning genetic testing for disease risk and ancestry among 452 adults (41% Black and 67% female) in four major US cities, Norman, OK; Cincinnati, OH; Harlem, NY; and Washington, DC; prior to their participation in genetic ancestry testing. The OK participants reported more detail about their personal ancestries (p = 0.02) and valued ancestry testing over disease testing more than all other sites (p < 0.01). The NY participants were more likely than other sites to seek genetic testing for disease (p = 0.01) and to see benefit in finding out more about one’s ancestry (p = 0.02), while the DC participants reported reading and hearing more about genetic testing for African ancestry than all other sites (p < 0.01). These site differences were not better accounted for by sex, age, education, self-reported ethnicity, religion, or previous experience with genetic testing/counseling. Regional differences in awareness and attitudes transcend traditional demographic predictors, such as ethnicity, age and education. Local sociocultural factors, more than ethnicity and socioeconomic status, may influence the public’s awareness and belief systems, particularly with respect to genetics.
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Suther S, Kiros GE. Barriers to the use of genetic testing: a study of racial and ethnic disparities. Genet Med 2009; 11:655-62. [PMID: 19752639 DOI: 10.1097/gim.0b013e3181ab22aa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Racial and ethnic disparities in health are evident among a range of diseases and health care services. New genetic technologies are likely to increase these disparities as access to expensive genetic tests further widens the gap. METHODS Our analysis used data from a national representative sample collected in 2000. The total sample size for our analysis was 1724 men and women (consisting of 946 non-Hispanic whites, 392 Latinos, and 386 blacks) aged 18 to 91 years. Ordered logistic regression and binary logistic regression analysis were applied to investigate differences by race/ethnicity. RESULTS Results showed significant differences by racial/ethnic groups in knowledge and concerns about the potential misuse of genetic testing. A significant difference was also found between the types of health insurance coverage by race/ethnicity as well as significantly higher levels of mistrust in a physician and the medical system. CONCLUSION Our findings raise concern about several barriers among minorities and calls for a development of educational and communication strategies that facilitate in narrowing the gap between racial and ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Suther
- Institute of Public Health, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida 32307, USA
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Consumers’ Desire towards Current and Prospective Reproductive Genetic Testing. J Genet Couns 2009; 18:137-46. [PMID: 19160030 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-008-9199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2007] [Accepted: 09/26/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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