Impacts of personal DNA ancestry testing

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Genomics
• Sociology
• Consumer Health

Background:

• Direct-to-consumer (DTC) DNA ancestry testing is increasingly popular.
• Empirical research on the psychological and social impacts of these tests remains limited.
• Understanding user response is crucial given the industry's growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of DTC DNA ancestry testing on individuals.
• To examine how ancestry results influence personal identity and future genetic testing behavior.
• To assess user reactions, including surprise, distress, and reported benefits/drawbacks.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal cohort study analyzing survey data from participants receiving DTC genomic testing.
• Included a follow-up survey specifically on responses to personal DNA ancestry testing results.
• Analyzed data from 322 individuals who completed the ancestry response survey.

Main Results:

• 46% of responders found ancestry results surprising; less than 1% reported distress.
• 21% reported that results reshaped their personal identity.
• Most planned to share results with family (81%) and some with healthcare providers (12%); over half were more likely to pursue other genetic tests.

Conclusions:

• DTC DNA ancestry testing can profoundly affect personal identity and future engagement with genetic information.
• Findings highlight the need for healthcare providers to be prepared for discussions about genetic ancestry.
• Results suggest implications for medical care and genetic research, emphasizing the growing intersection of consumer genetics and personal identity.