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Parental Perceptions of Benefits and Risks Concerning Mental Health Biomarker Testing for Adolescents
Kaustubh Kishor Jadhav1, Kirsi Kuuru2, Eeva Aromaa2
1A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
Parents show moderate support for adolescent mental health biomarker (MHB) testing, with perceptions influenced by demographics. Younger parents and those with family mental health history reported more benefits and fewer risks.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Biomarker Development
- Adolescent Healthcare
Background:
- Current psychiatric practice lacks clinically relevant biomarkers.
- Recent advancements show promise for biomarker development.
- Understanding parental perspectives on these technologies is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate parental perceptions of mental health biomarker (MHB) testing for adolescents.
- Assess parental views on the benefits and risks of MHB testing.
- Understand the role of parental perspectives in adolescent healthcare decisions.
Main Methods:
- Online survey conducted in Finland with 1500 parents of adolescents (10-17 years).
- A 20-item questionnaire assessed perceived benefits and risks of MHB testing.
- Psychometric validation and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) were used.
Main Results:
- 174 responses indicated modest parental support for MHB testing benefits and marginal concern about risks.
- Demographic variables significantly influenced perceptions.
- Younger parents, those with undergraduate degrees, and those with a family history of mental illness reported higher perceived benefits and lower risks.
Conclusions:
- Parental perceptions of MHB testing benefits and risks vary and are influenced by demographics.
- Further research is needed to understand the impact on utility and acceptance.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering parental views in implementing MHB testing.
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