Predictors of correct recall of genetic risk information among Hispanic individuals in Florida and Puerto Rico

To identify predictors of genetic risk recall and examine whether recall influences adoption of skin cancer preventive behaviors among Hispanic individuals.

Hispanic participants randomized to intervention arms (n = 463) of a precision prevention trial were provided MC1R risk information (average, higher) and asked to recall their risk after 3 and 9 months. Predictors of recall (correct versus did not recall/misremembered) were determined by backwards stepwise logistic regression. Intervention effects on preventive behaviors were estimated within strata of 3-month recall.

Age inversely predicted correct recall in both risk groups (average: OR_3-months(3)= 0.97, 95%CI:0.94-1.01, OR_9-months(9)= 0.96, 95%CI:0.93-0.99; higher: OR₃ = 0.98, 95%CI:0.95-1.01, OR₉ = 0.98, 95%CI:0.95-1.00). Education positively predicted recall among participants at average risk (OR₃ =1.64, 95%CI:1.06-2.63, OR₉ =1.73, 95%CI:1.12-2.81). Darker untanned skin color inversely predicted recall among participants at higher risk (OR₃ =0.68, 95%CI:0.45-0.99, OR₉ =0.74, 95%CI:0.50-1.09). Intervention effects for routine sunscreen use and undergoing a clinical skin exam were stronger among participants at higher risk who correctly recalled at 3 months than those who did not recall/misremembered.

Younger age, higher education, and lighter untanned skin color predicted correct recall. Better recall may improve skin cancer prevention outcomes.

Additional strategies are needed to boost recall among Hispanic individuals who are older, less educated, and darker-skinned.