Social networkers' attitudes toward direct-to-consumer personal genome testing

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Bioethics
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Personal genome testing (PGT) offers insights into genetic predispositions.
• Understanding public attitudes towards PGT is crucial for its clinical integration.
• Social networkers represent a significant demographic for health information dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore social networkers' interest in and attitudes toward PGT.
• To assess expectations regarding the clinical integration of PGT results.
• To understand the role of physicians in interpreting PGT information.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 1,087 social networking users.
• The survey assessed PGT usage, interest, attitudes towards PGT companies and results, and clinical integration expectations.
• Descriptive statistics were used to analyze respondent characteristics and survey responses.

Main Results:

• 64% of social networkers would consider using PGT, primarily for family disease knowledge.
• 34% perceive PGT information as a medical diagnosis.
• A majority expect physicians to assist in interpreting PGT results, viewing it as a professional obligation.

Conclusions:

• Social networkers are interested in PGT for medical care purposes.
• There is a strong expectation for physician involvement in interpreting PGT results.
• Healthcare providers should prepare for patient inquiries and counseling needs related to PGT.