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Public reactions to direct-to-consumer genetic health tests: a comparison across the US, UK, Japan and Australia
Citation
Charbonneau, J and Nicol, D and Chalmers, D and Kato, K and Yamamoto, N and Walshe, J and Critchley, C, Public reactions to direct-to-consumer genetic health tests: a comparison across the US, UK, Japan and Australia, European Journal of Human Genetics, 28 pp. 339-348. ISSN 1476-5438 (2019) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to European Society of Human Genetics 2019
DOI: doi:10.1038/s41431-019-0529-8
Abstract
While direct to consumer health-related genetic testing (DTCGT) has potential to provide accessible genetic information and
empower individuals to make informed healthcare decisions, it attracts concern associated with regulatory gaps, clinical
utility and potential for harm. Understanding public reactions to DTCGT is vital to facilitate considered regulatory, health
care and consumer protection strategies. Yet little is known, particularly outside the dominant US market, about how the
general public view and might engage with DTCGT outside traditional health care systems. This paper addresses this
knowledge gap with the first empirical study to investigate general public views across four countries, each at different
stages of market development. US (n = 1000), UK (n = 1014), Japanese (n = 1018) and Australian (n = 1000) respondents
completed an online experimental survey assessing comprehension, risk perceptions, and potential psychological and
behavioural outcomes by type of test (disease pre-disposition and drug sensitivity), severity, lifestyle factors, and family
history. Results showed generally low awareness and intention to purchase across countries, highest in the US and lowest in
Japan. Results also showed clear preference for within-country purchases (less in Japan), with reports returned via doctors
far more important in Japan. All respondents were more likely to act on test results, where there was higher genetic or
lifestyle risk of developing a disease. Statistical comparisons of demographic and health-related variables across countries
point to the need for further analyses designed to explain much needed cross-cultural, cross-health care system and
developed versus developing market differences.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | direct to consumer genetic testing, public trust, survey |
Research Division: | Psychology |
Research Group: | Social and personality psychology |
Research Field: | Social psychology |
Objective Division: | Expanding Knowledge |
Objective Group: | Expanding knowledge |
Objective Field: | Expanding knowledge in psychology |
UTAS Author: | Charbonneau, J (Ms Jan Charbonneau) |
UTAS Author: | Nicol, D (Professor Dianne Nicol) |
UTAS Author: | Chalmers, D (Professor Don Chalmers) |
UTAS Author: | Critchley, C (Associate Professor Christine Critchley) |
ID Code: | 136362 |
Year Published: | 2019 |
Funding Support: | Australian Research Council (DP110100694) |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 1 |
Deposited By: | Law |
Deposited On: | 2019-12-16 |
Last Modified: | 2021-02-02 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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