Satisfaction with genetic counseling for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations among African American women

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate satisfaction with genetic counseling for BRCA1 and BRCA2 ( BRCA1/2) mutations among African American women. Methods Participants were 54 African American women at moderate and high risk for BRCA1/2 mutations who were offered genetic testing as part of a randomized clinical trial designed to compare the effects of culturally tailored genetic counseling (CTGC) and standard genetic counseling (SGC). Satisfaction with genetic counseling was evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire following culturally tailored or standard pre-test education and counseling. Results Overall, the majority of women (96%) were very satisfied with genetic counseling; however, only 26% reported that their worries were lessened and 22% reported that they were able to cope better. Women who received CTGC were significantly more likely than women who received SGC to report that their worries were lessened ( p < 0.05). In addition, women with household incomes less than US$ 35,000 were significantly more likely to report that the counselor lessened their worries compared to women with higher incomes ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Most African American women were satisfied with genetic counseling; however, women who received culturally tailored genetic counseling were significantly more likely to strongly agree that their worries were lessened compared to women who received standard genetic counseling. Practice implications Discussion of cultural beliefs and values during genetic counseling may be beneficial to African American women, especially those with low incomes.