Psychosocial predictors of hereditary cancer genetic testing motivation in untested individuals

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes can provide lifesaving information allowing for individualized cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. A broader understanding of how psychosocial factors impact motivation to undergo genetic testing is needed to improve uptake among individuals who would benefit from testing. Adults (≥18 years) who met criteria for genetic testing based on a self-reported family cancer history and had not previously completed testing were invited to complete a survey (n = 799) assessing psychosocial factors including barriers to genetic testing, healthcare distrust, perceived self-efficacy, clinician autonomy support, and genetic testing knowledge. Associations between these psychosocial factors and testing motivation were examined first by correlation followed by multivariable linear regression. Self-efficacy had a significant positive correlation with genetic testing motivation, while barriers and healthcare distrust were negatively correlated with motivation. In an adjusted multivariable regression model, higher self-efficacy was associated with higher motivation while higher barriers and healthcare distrust were negatively associated with genetic testing motivation. Individuals of older age (51+), non-White race, and lower perceived socioeconomic status reported higher mean motivation scores. The negative association between distrust and barriers with genetic testing intention may be a potential target for tailored interventions for genetic testing.