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Gerdes AM, Nicolaisen L, Husum E, Andersen JB, Gantzhorn MD, Roos L, Diness BR. Direct to consumer genetic testing in Denmark-public knowledge, use, and attitudes. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:851-860. [PMID: 33649540 PMCID: PMC8110758 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00810-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct to consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) is offered by commercial companies, but the use in the general population has only been sparsely investigated. A questionnaire was sent to 2013 representative Danish citizens asking about their awareness and use of DTC-GT. Individuals who had undergone a genetic test were interviewed to determine if the results had been understood correctly. A pilot study with 2469 questionnaires was performed before this study. In total, 45.4% of the individuals (n = 913/2013) had knowledge about DTC-GT and 2.5% (n = (18 + 5)/913) previously had a genetic test by a private company and 5.8% through the public health care system (n = (48 + 5)/913). Curiosity about own genetic information was the most frequent motivation (40.9%, n = 9/22) as well as knowledge of ancestry (36.4%, n = 8/22) and advice about lifestyle, exercise, or diet (36.4%, n = 8/22). Test of own disease risk was given as a reason in 27.3% (n = 6/22) and seeking possible explanation of specific symptoms in 13.6% (n = 3/22). 50% (n = 11/22) answered that they had become concerned after the test, and 17.4% (n = 4/23) had consulted their GP. Interviews in a subset of respondents from the pilot study revealed problems with understanding the results. One problem was how to interpret the genetic test results with respect to individual risk for a disease. For example, the difference between disease causing genetic variants in monogenetic diseases versus statistical risks by SNPs in multifactorial diseases was not understood by the respondents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Gerdes
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Line Nicolaisen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Egil Husum
- Bech-Bruun Law Firm P/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Janne Bayer Andersen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Laura Roos
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Rode Diness
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Current attitudes and preconceptions towards expanded carrier screening in the Eastern Chinese reproductive-aged population. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:697-707. [PMID: 33409754 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02032-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A growing number of Chinese individuals of reproductive age will face the choice of accepting or refusing expanded carrier screening (ECS). This study aimed to explore the awareness, wishes, and possible misconceptions of ECS among this population, as well as factors affecting their decision-making. METHODS Chinese reproductive-aged individuals in Eastern China who sought cell-free fetal DNA screening and peripheral blood karyotype were invited to complete a 31-item ECS survey by scanning a specific quick response code. We evaluated the relationship between awareness, attitudes, and intentions to participate in ECS, along with possible misconceptions. RESULTS Overall, 93.1% of participants intended to undergo ECS at their expenses, and 53.6% indicated they would pay less than 1000 CNY (approximately 145 USD) for the test. Around 96.5% of participants had misconceptions about ECS and genetic diseases. Participants whose first reaction was interest, who had prior awareness of the test, or who perceived benefits were more likely to intend to use ECS (p < 0.001). Participants with a bachelor's degree or above or with a household income over 150,000 CNY (approximately 21,700 USD) would be more likely to pay ≥ 1000 CNY (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that overall, the Eastern Chinese reproductive-aged population has positive attitudes towards ECS, although there are some misconceptions about ECS and genetic disorders. Population-based ECS appears to be desired by the reproductive-aged people in Eastern China. Steps should be taken to offer ECS along with pre- and post-test education and genetic counseling to raise awareness and to reduce misconceptions.
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Expanded genetic carrier screening in clinical practice: a current survey of patient impressions and attitudes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:709-716. [PMID: 30761454 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01414-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Expanded genetic carrier screening (ECS) is an important part of gynecological practice and preconception planning. We evaluated the awareness and attitudes among women regarding ECS and factors that may influence decision-making in a family planning context. METHODS A 32-question survey in an academic university practice was given to 521 women who were either currently pregnant (n = 108), undergoing gynecologic care who were considering future fertility (n = 308), and considering or receiving fertility treatment (n = 105). Data are reported descriptively. RESULTS Forty-seven percent (n = 246) of patients were aware of ECS. Though most reported feeling positive or neutral towards ECS, 51% (n = 263) reported no desire for testing. Fifty-eight percent (n = 303) felt it beneficial to know their carrier status, and 55% (n = 257) said it was their responsibility to undergo testing. Those considering future fertility were found to have a more positive attitude towards ECS (51.4%) than those considering or receiving fertility treatment (34%). For positive carriers of a genetic disorder, 228 (49%) of patients would proceed with having their partner screened, 58 (13%) would undergo prenatal screening only and 12 (2.6%) would continue with vitro fertilization (IVF). Related to cost for ECS, 53.5% (n = 191) would be willing to pay at least $50-100 for testing, while 29% (n = 146) would not pay anything out of pocket. CONCLUSIONS Despite patients' beliefs that it would be beneficial and their responsibility to undergo carrier status testing, the majority reported no desire for ECS and many were unwilling to pay out of pocket. Further education is necessary to reconcile the gap between technology and patient decision-making.
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Ong R, Howting D, Rea A, Christian H, Charman P, Molster C, Ravenscroft G, Laing NG. Measuring the impact of genetic knowledge on intentions and attitudes of the community towards expanded preconception carrier screening. J Med Genet 2018; 55:744-752. [PMID: 30068663 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2018-105362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preconception carrier screening (PCS) provides the potential to empower couples to make reproductive choices before having an affected child. An important question is what factors influence the decision to use or not use PCS. METHODS We analysed the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and intentions to participate in PCS using logistic regression in 832 participants in Western Australia. RESULTS Two-thirds of participants said they would take the test, with 92% of these supporting screening for diseases reducing the lifespan of children and infants. Those who had good genetic knowledge were seven times more likely to intend to use PCS (p≤0.001), while those with high genetic knowledge were four times more likely to (p=0.002) and raised concerns such as insurance and confidentiality.Decreasing genetic knowledge correlated positively with religiosity and apprehension (p≤0.001), which correlated negatively with intention to use PCS (p≤0.001). Increasing genetic knowledge correlated positively with factors representing positive attitudes (p≤0.001), which correlated positively with intention to use PCS (p≤0.001). Many participants with good genetic knowledge nevertheless answered questions that tested understanding incorrectly.80% of participants stated they would prefer to access the test through their general practitioners and 30% would pay up to $A200. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge is instrumental in influencing participation. Having good genetic knowledge may not be enough to understand core concepts of PCS and may impact informed decision-making. This study recommends that continuous education of health professionals and thus the community, in PCS is crucial to reduce misconceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Royston Ong
- Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,QEII Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Denise Howting
- Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,QEII Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alethea Rea
- Centre for Applied Statistics, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Hayley Christian
- School of Population and Global Health, and Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Pauline Charman
- BioDiscovery Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Caron Molster
- Department of Health Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gianina Ravenscroft
- Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,QEII Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nigel George Laing
- Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,QEII Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Expanded carrier screening, which detects carriers for a large number of autosomal recessive and X-linked diseases, is increasing in clinical utilization. A recent joint statement from multiple professional societies, in addition to a growing literature base, offers perspective on rationale, decision points, and reasonable methods of implementation. RECENT FINDINGS Current literature addresses three areas: pre- and posttest education, including optimal use of formal genetic counseling, and differing characteristics of laboratory tests. Surveys of obstetricians and genetics providers also offer insight into optimal practice methods. SUMMARY We review the carrier screening process in chronological sequence - pretest, test selection, and posttest results disclosure - and points to be considered, recommending possible practice protocols based on available literature and our combined laboratory and clinical practice experience.
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Ekstrand Ragnar M, Tydén T, Kihlbom U, Larsson M. Swedish parents' interest in preconception genetic carrier screening. Ups J Med Sci 2016; 121:289-294. [PMID: 27647125 PMCID: PMC5098495 DOI: 10.1080/03009734.2016.1218575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genetic technologies advance rapidly. It is possible to undergo genetic carrier screening before pregnancy to examine genetic risks to future offspring. We aimed to investigate parents' interest and motives towards preconception genetic carrier screening (PCS) as well as factors associated with interest in PCS. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our study sample consists of 777 parent couples within the longitudinal Swedish Pregnancy Planning study. Women responded to questionnaires at three occasions: in early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and one year after childbirth. Male partners responded to one questionnaire one year after childbirth. RESULTS One-third of the parents were positive (30% versus 34% of women and men, respectively), less than a third were negative (26% versus 28%), and 45% versus 38% were uncertain about whether to consider PCS before a future pregnancy. No differences in PCS interest were found between women and men (P = 0.091), but a higher proportion of women were concerned about negative consequences (53% versus 46%, P < 0.003) and were 'opposed to such a way of child selection' (31.8% versus 25.2%, P = 0.002). Factors associated with PCS interest were experiences of prenatal diagnostics and positive attitudes towards finding out or choosing sex of one's child (women), and prenatal diagnostics, self-rated poor health, and pregnancy planning (men). CONCLUSION Both women and men had relatively high uncertainty towards PCS, but women were more concerned about negative consequences. The future extent of the clinical utility of PCS is currently unknown, but parents' interests and doubts are important aspects to consider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ekstrand Ragnar
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden
- CONTACT Maria Ekstrand Ragnar Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tanja Tydén
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Ulrik Kihlbom
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Margareta Larsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Sweden
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