Abstract
BackgroundAccess to direct-to-consumer genetic testing services has increased in recent years. However, disparities in knowledge and awareness of these services are not well documented. We examined awareness of genetic testing services by rural/urban and racial/ethnic status.MethodsAnalyses were conducted using pooled cross-sectional data from 4 waves (2011–2014) of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Descriptive statistics compared sample characteristics and information sources by rural/urban residence. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between geography, racial/ethnic status, and awareness of genetic testing, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsOf 13,749 respondents, 16.7% resided in rural areas, 13.8% were Hispanic, and 10.1% were non-Hispanic black. Rural residents were less likely than urban residents to report awareness of genetic testing (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.63–0.87). Compared with non-Hispanic whites, racial/ethnic minorities were less likely to be aware of genetic testing: Hispanic (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.56–0.82); and non-Hispanic black (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.61–0.90).ConclusionsRural-urban and racial-ethnic differences exist in awareness of direct-to-consumer genetic testing. These differences may translate into disparities in the uptake of genetic testing, health behavior change, and disease prevention through precision and personalized medicine.
Highlights
Access to direct-to-consumer genetic testing services has increased in recent years
Rural-urban and racial-ethnic differences exist in awareness of direct-to-consumer genetic testing
Compared with non-Hispanic whites, racial/ethnic minorities were less likely to be aware of genetic testing: Hispanic (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.56–0.82); non-Hispanic black (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.61–0.90); and non-Hispanic other (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.55–0.92)
Summary
Access to direct-to-consumer genetic testing services has increased in recent years. We examined awareness of genetic testing services by rural/urban and racial/ethnic status. Precision medicine is an emerging approach to detecting, treating, and managing disease that is based on individual variation in genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Within the context of precision medicine, genetic testing is increasingly used to predict risk for common diseases and traits among individuals with a family or personal history of disease. Underserved groups have poorer access to genetic testing services within the general population [5]. Genetic testing is highly technical and typically requires multiple office visits and specialty referrals. Receipt of genetic testing and needed referrals, including counseling, is vulnerable to access-related barriers and financial constraints such as lack of insurance and underinsurance [5]
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