Australian’s Knowledge and Perceptions of Direct-to-Consumer Personal Genome Testing

Abstract

Background: As direct-to-consumer personal genome testing (DTC-PGT) is increasingly available in Australia, knowledge of Australian’s perceptions and attitudes towards his technology is needed in order to assess the (potential) impact it might have on the Australian public and health care system. Aims: To explore the knowledge and perceptions of direct-to-consumer personal genome testing (DTC-PGT) in an Australian sample. Methods: An online survey asking about knowledge and perceptions of DTC-PGT, undertaken between October 2011 and April 2012, of 270 Australian residents. Results were analysed using SAS. Results: Our study found limited consumer knowledge of, and interest in pursuing DTC-PGT in Australia. 93% of respondents correctly identified DTC-PGT as available to consumers directly, but only 40% correctly identified its availability in Australia. When asked about the content and value of the information DTC-PGT provides, the majority of respondents indentified that DTC-PGT could provide information about one’s health and/or ancestry (82% and 74%). Additionally, respondents indicated they believed this information to be equally important as non-genetic information about one’s ancestry and health. Conclusion: While few respondents expressed an intention to pursue DTC-PGT (27%), the majority of people, irrespective of whether they wished to pursue it or not, believed that genetic information was as important as non-genetic information in regards to their health and their ancestry. The value ascribed to genetic information suggests genetics plays a role in people’s lives and at this time, further qualitative research could explore the ways in which people might use and understand the genetic information provided by DTC-PGT. Keywords: predictive genetic testing, consumer health information, ethical issues, survey methodology