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Informed Choice in Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing (DTCGT) Websites: A Content Analysis of Benefits, Risks, and Limitations
Author(s) -
Singleton Amanda,
Erby Lori Hamby,
Foisie Kathryn V.,
Kaphingst Kimberly A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1007/s10897-011-9474-6
Subject(s) - genetic testing , genetic counseling , presentation (obstetrics) , public health , medicine , actuarial science , internet privacy , marketing , business , computer science , nursing , surgery , genetics , biology
An informed choice about health‐related direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) requires knowledge of potential benefits, risks, and limitations. To understand the information that potential consumers of DTCGT services are exposed to on company websites, we conducted a content analysis of 23 health‐related DTCGT websites. Results revealed that benefit statements outweighed risk and limitation statements 6 to 1. The most frequently described benefits were: 1) disease prevention, 2) consumer education, 3) personalized medical recommendations, and 4) the ability to make health decisions. Thirty‐five percent of websites also presented at least one risk of testing. Seventy‐eight percent of websites mentioned at least one limitation of testing. Based on this information, potential consumers might get an inaccurate picture of genetic testing which could impact their ability to make an informed decision. Practices that enhance the presentation of balanced information on DTCGT company websites should be encouraged.