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Racial-ethnic differences in genetic amniocentesis uptake
Jennifer B Saucier1, Dennis Johnston, Catherine A Wicklund
1Genzyme Genetics, Austin, Texas 78628, USA. jennifer.saucier@genzyme.com
Journal of Genetic Counseling
|June 17, 2005
Summary
Health beliefs and knowledge significantly influence decisions about genetic amniocentesis, more than race or ethnicity. Understanding these factors can improve genetic testing acceptance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Health Behavior Research
- Sociology in Medicine
Background:
- Genetic amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic tool.
- Understanding factors influencing its acceptance is crucial for equitable healthcare.
- Racial-ethnic disparities in healthcare utilization persist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of health beliefs in genetic amniocentesis acceptance.
- To examine these factors across a diverse racial-ethnic population.
- To identify predictors of amniocentesis acceptance.
Main Methods:
- A validated questionnaire assessed demographics, amniocentesis knowledge, and health beliefs (susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers).
- Data were collected from a diverse racial-ethnic population.
- Statistical analysis compared acceptors and decliners.
Main Results:
- Hispanic women showed lower acceptance rates (51.5%) compared to Caucasian (82.8%), African American (82.9%), and Asian (82.8%) women.
- Higher education level was associated with acceptance.
- Acceptors had higher scores for perceived seriousness, susceptibility, benefits (Health Belief Model), and knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Individual health beliefs and knowledge are stronger predictors of genetic amniocentesis acceptance than demographic factors like race-ethnicity.
- Interventions targeting health beliefs and knowledge may enhance genetic testing uptake.
- Addressing disparities in genetic amniocentesis acceptance requires understanding psychosocial factors.