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Identifying Perceptions and Preferences of the General Public Concerning Universal Screening of Children for Familial
Faye L Bowman1, Caron M Molster2, Karla J Lister2
1Office of Population Health Genomics, Public and Aboriginal Health Division, Western Australian Department of Health, East Perth, Washington, Australia, faye.bowman@health.wa.gov.au.
Insights
Universal screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) in children is publicly acceptable in Western Australia. Most participants favored screening during immunisation, with conditions to prevent harm.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Public Health Genomics
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a genetic disorder leading to premature coronary heart disease.
- Most FH cases remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need for improved detection strategies.
- Universal childhood screening for FH is a proposed public health genomics initiative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore public perspectives on the acceptability of universal childhood screening for FH.
- To identify public consensus and disagreement regarding FH screening in children.
Main Methods:
- A deliberative public forum was conducted in Perth, WA, Australia.
- Thirty randomly selected individuals participated, with sociodemographic representation.
- Thematic analysis was used to analyze participant discussions on FH screening.
Main Results:
- 16 out of 17 participants found universal childhood FH screening acceptable.
- 15 participants suggested immunisation appointments as the optimal time for screening.
- Participants outlined conditions to mitigate potential harms from screening.
Conclusions:
- Public acceptance of a universal childhood FH screening program in Western Australia is high.
- Implementation should consider public input regarding timing and harm reduction.
Background/Aims:
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder that, if untreated, predisposes individuals to premature coronary heart disease. As most individuals with FH remain undiagnosed, new approaches to detection are needed and should be considered a priority in public health genomics. Universal screening of children for FH has been proposed, and this study explores public perspectives on the acceptability of this approach.
Methods:
A one-day deliberative public forum was held in Perth, WA, Australia. Thirty randomly selected individuals were recruited, with self-reported sociodemographic characteristics used to obtain discursive representation. Participants were presented with information from a variety of perspectives and asked to discuss the information provided to identify points of consensus and disagreement. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Of the 17 participants at the forum, 16 deemed universal screening of children for FH to be acceptable. Fifteen of these 16 believed this was best performed at the time of an immunisation. Participants proposed a number of conditions that should be met to reduce the likelihood of unintended harm resulting from the screening process.
Discussion/Conclusion:
The outcomes of the forum suggest that establishing a universal screening programme for FH in childhood is acceptable to the general public in WA.
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