Table III.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Attitudes about Genetic Testing
| Source | Study Title | Year/Dataa | Study Sample (Public/Patients) | Attitude Variable(s) | Attitude Findings (Reference group listed last) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expectations about Genetic Testing | |||||
| Singer et al. 2008 | Trends in U.S. Attitudes toward Genetic Testing, 1990-2004 | 1990, 1996, 2004 GSS, Nationally representative samples | General public 1990: N=917 1996: N=969 2004: N=2,812 U.S. | “Some people say that genetic testing is a wonderful advance. Others think it may cause trouble. Based on what you know, do you think genetic testing will do more good than harm, or more harm than good?” | Good vs Don’ know NW vs W: Beta= − 0.512 (p<.05) Harm vs Don’t know NW vs W: Beta= − 0.238 (p<.05) |
| Singer et al. 2004 | Racial and Ethnic Variations in Knowledge and Attitudes about Genetic Testing | 2000 survey, Nationally representative sample plus B and H samples | General public N=1,763 U.S. | “Some people say genetic testing is a wonderful medical advance. Others think it may cause trouble. What about you—do you think genetic testing will do more good than harm, or more harm than good?” | More harm than good: B vs W: 18.2% vs 12.4% (NS)b L vs W: 15.3% vs 12.4% (p<.05) |
| Concerns about Genetic Testing | |||||
| Singer eat al. 2004 | Racial and Ethnic Variations in Knowledge and Attitudes about Genetic Testing | 2000 survey, Nationally representative sample plus B and H samples | General public N=1,763 U.S. |
Index of eight itemsc range 0 to 16: “For each of the following statements, please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree.” |
B vs W: 6.34 vs 4.96 (p<.01) L vs W: 5.89 vs 4.96 (p<.01) |
| Suther et al. 2009 | Barriers to the Use of Genetic Testing: A Study of Racial and Ethnic Disparities | 2000 survey, Nationally representative sample | General public N=1,724 U.S. | Index of eight items,c range 1 to 3: “For each of the following statements, please tell me if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree.” |
B vs W: OR=1.66 (CI=1.28-2.15) L vs W: OR=1.58 (CI=1.21-.2.07) |
| Zimmerman 2006 | Racial Differences in Beliefs about Genetic Screening among Patients at Inner-City Neighborhood Health Centers | 2004 survey, Random and convenience samples | Patients N=314 Pennsylvania | Indicate level of agreement: a. “Genetic testing will lead to racial discrimination” b. “Genetic testing will lead to discrimination against handicapped” |
a. B vs W: OR=3.02 (CI=1.51-6.05) b. B vs W: 64% vs 47% (p<.01) |
| Bloss et al. 2010 | Consumer Perceptions of Direct-to-Consumer Personalized Genomic Risk Assessments | 2008 survey, Convenience sample | General public and patients N=3,640 California |
“Do Doyou have concerns about participating in this initiative? Concerns related to… ” a. “learning about my disease risk from my DNA testing” b. “not knowing how I will feel about my results” c. “the quality and reliability of the testing lab and the results” d. “potential privacy issues about my data” |
a. NW vs W: 15.6% vs 12.5% (p<.05) b. NW vs W: 16.9% vs 16.0% (NS) c. NW vs W: 21.1% vs 15.4% (p<.001) d. NW vs W: 35.7% vs 36.1% (NS) |
| Diaz et al. 2014 | Racial Differences in Attitudes toward Personalized Medicine | 2012 survey, Convenience sample | General public and patients N=190 South Carolina | How worried about the following: a. Using genes without consent b. Genetic information being shared without consent c. Discrimination based on genes d. Not being able to receive personalized medicine due to costs e. People being kept alive longer than they should be (questions not provided) |
a. B vs W: 57.3% vs 20.6% (p<.001) b. B vs W: 65.0% vs 35.6% (p<.001) c. B vs W: 62.4% vs 34.3% (p<.001) d. B vs W: 75.0% vs 48.0% (p<.001) e. B vs W: 27.6% vs 20.8% (NS) |
| Other Attitudes about Genetic Testing | |||||
| Zimmerman 2006 | Racial Differences in Beliefs about Genetic Screening among Patients at Inner-City Neighborhood Health Centers | 2004 survey, Random and convenience samples | Patients N=314 Pennsylvania | Indicate level of agreement: a. “Genetic testing to check risk of getting a disease is a good idea” b. “Employers should be able to see the results of genetic testing before hiring workers” |
a. B vs W: NS b. B vs W: NS |
| Bloss et al. 2010 | Consumer Perceptions of Direct-to-Consumer Personalized Genomic Risk Assessments |
2008 survey, Convenience sample | General public and patients N=3,640 California |
“Would you want to know your genetic risk for a disease you couldnť do anything to prevent?” | W vs NW: OR=1.43 (CI=1.13-1.81) |
| Catz et al. 2005 | Attitudes about Genetics in Underserved, Culturally Diverse Populations | 2003 Focus groups, Convenience sample | Patients and healthcare workers N=55 New York | Feelings about genetic testing (question not provided) |
H and C had most positive feelings about genetic testing B had most negative feelings towards genetic testing |
a
GSS= General Social Survey
b
NS= No significant
c
Concern index items:
1. Genetic testing during pregnancy is a good thing because it allows people to choose to have the children they really want.
2. Genetic testing will lead to discrimination against people [who are not perfect].
3. Anonymous genetic testing, where no record is kept of the person’s name, should be available to people who want it.
4. Genetic testing will mostly benefit people who already have a lot of advantages. (If the respondent does not understand “advantages,” just say, “people who already have a lot”.)
5. Information from genetic tests is likely to be misused.
6. Genetic testing is the first step to getting rid of people the government considers undesirable.
7. Scientists are creating unrealistic hopes how soon cures will be found for genetic diseases.
8. Research on genes is taking away money that should be used for other health problems.