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Public reactions to direct-to-consumer genetic health tests: a comparison across the US, UK, Japan and Australia

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 09:01 authored by Charbonneau, J, Dianne NicolDianne Nicol, Donald ChalmersDonald Chalmers, Kato, K, Yamamoto, N, Walshe, J, Christine Critchley
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.

Funding

Australian Research Council

History

Publication title

European Journal of Human Genetics

Volume

28

Pagination

339-348

ISSN

1476-5438

Department/School

Faculty of Law

Publisher

Nature Publishing Group

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to European Society of Human Genetics 2019

Repository Status

  • Open

Socio-economic Objectives

Technological ethics; Law reform; Expanding knowledge in psychology

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