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Despax J, Lacharité C, Bouteyre E. Adoptees' experiences of using direct-to-consumer genetic testing and determinants of this use: A mixed study in Quebec. J Genet Couns 2024. [PMID: 39175135 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Adoptees' use of direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) is known to raise both ethical and emotional issues, and it can also challenge their identity. The objective of the present study was to describe the experiences of DTC-GT use among adoptees living in Quebec and to better understand the benefits and disadvantages of use. We adopted a mixed method approach whereby a questionnaire comprising standardized scales was administered to 143 adoptees who had used genetic testing and 40 adoptees who had not. Semi-structured interviews were performed with five respondents from the DTC-GT use group. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed and integrated together using the Pillar Integration Process. The results highlighted familial reunion as the primary motivation for the use of DTC-GT among responding adoptees. Reported challenges included needing help with results interpretation, as well as the need for autonomy in the ownership of the results. Participants describe not being particularly concerned by potential ethical issues, describing the benefits of the tests as more important than possible disadvantages. Overall, participants had a good experience of using DTC-GT, and users were less anxious. Various factors associated with the use and experience of use were highlighted (age, psychological distress, community membership, etc.). The results from this study provide much-needed information about adoptees' needs regarding DTC-GT, highlight key risk factors, and introduces best practice recommendations so that adoptees are properly informed and supported when pursuing DTC-GT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Despax
- Centre d'Etudes Interdisciplinaires sur le Développement de l'Enfant et de la Famille (CEIDEF), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carl Lacharité
- Centre d'Etudes Interdisciplinaires sur le Développement de l'Enfant et de la Famille (CEIDEF), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
| | - Evelyne Bouteyre
- EA 3278, Laboratory LPCPP, Aix-Marseille University, Aix-en-Provence, France
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How does the genomic naive public perceive whole genomic testing for health purposes? A scoping review. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:35-47. [PMID: 36257982 PMCID: PMC9822972 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01208-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The benefits of genomic testing are primarily reported in rare disease, cancer diagnosis and disease management. However, as research into its application in common, more complex conditions grows, as well as the increased prevalence of carrier screening programs, the genomic naive public is more likely to be offered testing in future. To promote social acceptability and ethical application of this technology, it is essential that public perceptions of genomics are considered. Previous studies, however, have primarily focussed on the views of those with genetic conditions or those undergoing genetic testing. The aim of this scoping review is to investigate the genomic naive public's perceptions of clinical genomics and clinical genomic testing. Embase, MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched, with a total of 3460 articles identified. Data analysis was organised according to the nonadoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) framework. Sixteen full-text articles were included in the final analysis. Most of the studies used questionnaires to determine attitudes of the public toward clinical genomics (n = 12). Public perceptions were found to underpin technology (Domain 2), value proposition (Domain 3), the adopter system (Domain 4) and the wider context (Domain 6) of the NASSS framework, highlighting its importance when considering implementation of an innovative technology such as genomic testing. Our study shows public perceptions are diverse, and highlights the need for more studies on the views of underrepresented groups and the impact of cultural contexts on perceptions.
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Hazel JW, Hammack-Aviran C, Brelsford KM, Malin BA, Beskow LM, Clayton EW. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing: Prospective users' attitudes toward information about ancestry and biological relationships. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260340. [PMID: 34843533 PMCID: PMC8629298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is marketed as a tool to uncover ancestry and kin. Recent studies of actual and potential users have demonstrated that individuals’ responses to the use of these tests for these purposes are complex, with privacy, disruptive consequences, potential for misuse, and secondary use by law enforcement cited as potential concerns. We conducted six focus groups with a diverse sample of participants (n = 62) who were aware of but had not used direct-to-consumer genetic tests, in an effort to understand more about what people considering these tests think about the potential value, risks, and benefits of such testing, taking into account use by third parties, such as potential kin and law enforcement. Participants differed widely in the perceived value of direct-to-consumer genetic tests for ancestry and kinship information for their own lives, including the desirability of contact with previously unknown relatives. Some perceived ancestry testing as mere curiosity or entertainment, while others, particularly those who had gaps in their family history, few living relatives, or who were adopted, saw greater value. Concerns about intrusion into one’s life by purported kin and control of data were widespread, with many participants expressing concern about secondary uses of data that could harm users or their families. The use of direct-to-consumer genetic tests data for forensic genealogy elicited a particularly wide array of reactions, both spontaneously and in response to specific discussion prompts, mirroring the current public debate about law enforcement access to such data. The themes uncovered through our investigation warrant specific attention in the continued development of the science, policy, and practice of commercial direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W. Hazel
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Center for Genetic Privacy and Identity in Community Settings (GetPreCiSe), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Catherine Hammack-Aviran
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Center for Genetic Privacy and Identity in Community Settings (GetPreCiSe), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Brelsford
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Center for Genetic Privacy and Identity in Community Settings (GetPreCiSe), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Bradley A. Malin
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Center for Genetic Privacy and Identity in Community Settings (GetPreCiSe), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Laura M. Beskow
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Center for Genetic Privacy and Identity in Community Settings (GetPreCiSe), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Ellen Wright Clayton
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Center for Genetic Privacy and Identity in Community Settings (GetPreCiSe), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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