Diversity of thought: public perceptions of genetic testing across ethnic groups in the UK

Harris, B. H. L. et al. (2023) Diversity of thought: public perceptions of genetic testing across ethnic groups in the UK. Journal of Human Genetics, (doi: 10.1038/s10038-023-01199-1) (PMID:37907557) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Genetic testing is becoming rapidly more accessible to the general populous either through or outside healthcare systems. Few large-scale studies have been carried out to gauge public opinion in this growing area. Here, we undertook the largest cross-sectional study on genetic testing in the UK. The primary purpose of this study is to identify the differences in attitudes toward genetic testing across ethnic groups. A cohort of 6500 individuals from a diverse population completed a 72-item survey in a cross-sectional study. Responses between ethnic minority and white individuals in the UK were compared using a wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-square tests. The white cohort was approximately twice as likely to have taken a genetic test and 13% more had heard about genetic testing before the survey. The ethnic minority cohort appeared more apprehensive about the impact of genetic testing on employability. This study highlights that in the UK, significant differences in opinions regarding genetic testing exist between white individuals and ethnic minority individuals. There is an urgent need to develop more inclusive strategies to equally inform individuals from all backgrounds to avoid disparities in the utilisation of genetic testing.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by Ovarian Cancer Action & National Institute for Health and Care Research.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lammy, Dr Simon
• Authors: Harris, B. H. L., McCabe, C., Shafique, H., Lammy, S., Tookman, L., Flanagan, J., Miron-Barroso, S., Lythgoe, M., Clark, J., Walsh, J. L., Di Giovannantonio, M., and Krell, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Human Genetics
• Publisher: Springer Nature
• ISSN: 1434-5161
• ISSN (Online): 1435-232X
• Published Online: 01 November 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Author(s) 2023
• First Published: First published in Journal of Human Genetics 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence