Re: The impact of communicating genetic risks of disease on risk-reducing health behaviour: systematic review with meta-analysis (Rapid Response to Hollands et al)

Abstract

Hollands et al provide an important contribution to evidence on the potential impact of DNA-based disease risk information on health behaviours. Based on the findings of their systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors conclude that: “existing evidence does not support expectations that such interventions could play a major role in motivating behaviour change to improve population health (1).” However, we contend that this conclusion is premature. In particular, there has been limited population-based research using risk estimates based on multiple genomic variants, for a broad range of health behaviours, and lack of evaluation of whether the impact may be influenced by the presence of other risk factors. We also agree with other rapid responses (Hay and McBride, Janssens, Burton) that highlight other limitations of the previous studies and the need for more research to more fully assess the potential role of genomics in facilitating behaviour change.