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Gender Differences in Attitudes Among Those at Risk for Huntington's Disease

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 00:35 authored by Taylor, SD
This report presents and discusses selected findings regarding gender differences from an Australian-based study that investigated attitudes of individuals at risk for Huntington's disease (HD) towards genetic risk and predictive testing. Clear gender differences emerged regarding perceived coping capacity with regard to predictive testing, as well as disclosure of the genetic risk for HD to others. Female participants were more likely to disclose their genetic risk to others, including their medical practitioners, while male participants were three times more fearful of disclosing their genetic risk to others. These findings are of interest in light of gender differences that have consistently been reported regarding the uptake of predictive testing for HD, other genetic conditions, and health services more generally. While gender differences cannot provide a fully explanatory framework for differential uptake of predictive genetic testing, men and women may experience and respond differently to the genetic risk for HD and possibly other inherited disorders. The meanings of genetic risk to men and women warrants further exploration, given anticipated increases in genetic testing for more common conditions, especially if post-test interventions are possible. These issues are also relevant within the context of individuals' concerns about the potential for discrimination on the basis of genetic risk or genetic test information. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

History

Publication title

Genetic Testing

Volume

9

Pagination

152-157

ISSN

1090-6576

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Publishers

Place of publication

United States

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Behaviour and health

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