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Attitudes Toward Genetic Testing for Celiac Disease
Author(s) -
Roy Abhik,
Pallai Michele,
Lebwohl Benjamin,
Taylor Annette K.,
Green Peter H.
Publication year - 2016
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/s10897-015-9867-z
Subject(s) - medicine , marital status , genetic counseling , family medicine , residence , genetic testing , disease , health care , gerontology , demography , environmental health , population , genetics , sociology , economics , biology , economic growth
HLA molecular typing for celiac disease (CD) is a genetic test with a high negative predictive value. The aim of this study is to explore knowledge of and attitudes towards genetic testing (GT). A 25‐item questionnaire was developed by a multidisciplinary team and distributed to members of CD support groups across the United States. Respondents ( n = 1835) were mainly female (88 %), married (76 %), and college‐educated (55 %), with a median age range of 31–50 years. Those who were married (82 vs 75 %, p = 0.002), had children (82 vs 74 %, p < 0.001), and had pursued education beyond high school (81 vs 68 %, p = 0.004) were more likely to be aware of the availability of GT. On multivariable analysis, adjusting for age, sex, education, marital status, region of residence, and having children, college‐education (OR 2.05, 95 % CI: 1.33–3.16) and having children (OR 1.56, 95 % CI: 1.15–2.11) remained significant predictors of GT awareness. A majority of patients with a personal or family history of CD planned GT for their children, and the most common concerns regarding GT were cost and impact on health care and/or insurance. In conclusion, awareness of GT is high among CD support group members. Efforts should be made to increase knowledge of GT in those with a lower educational level, and healthcare professionals should attempt to address concerns regarding GT cost and the impact of results on health care and insurance status.