Differences Between African American and White Research Volunteers in Their Attitudes, Beliefs and Knowledge Regarding Genetic Testing for Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Genetic susceptibility testing for common diseases is expanding, but little is known about race group differences in test perceptions. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between African Americans and Whites in knowledge, attitudes, and motivations regarding genetic susceptibility testing for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Before enrolling in an AD genetic testing research trial, 313 first-degree relatives of AD patients (20% African American; 71% female; mean age = 58 years) were surveyed regarding: (1) knowledge about genetics and AD risk; (2) concerns about developing AD; and (3) reasons for seeking testing. In comparison to Whites, African Americans were less knowledgeable about genetics and AD risk (p<.01) and less concerned about developing AD (p<.05), with lower levels of perceived disease risk (p=.04). The results suggest that African Americans and Whites differ notably in their knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding genetic testing for AD. Additional research with more representative samples is needed to better understand these differences.

Attitude Towards Alzheimer’s Disease Among Undergraduate Students of University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago

“…African Americans reported less anxiety and concern regarding the possibility of developing Alzheimer's disease [24], a finding which was consistent with a previous study by Robert and colleagues where this group perceived Alzheimer's disease as a lesser threat compared to their Caucasian counterpart [25].…”

“…In a study of 314 African Americans and Caucasian first degree relatives of Alzheimer's disease patients who were surveyed about their concerns about developing Alzheimer's disease, knowledge of genetic testing and risk of the disease as well as reasons for seeking genetic testing, the former group had less knowledge about established facts concerning Alzheimer's disease and genetic testing [24]. African Americans reported less anxiety and concern regarding the possibility of developing Alzheimer's disease [24], a finding which was consistent with a previous study by Robert and colleagues where this group perceived Alzheimer's disease as a lesser threat compared to their Caucasian counterpart [25].…”

Attitudes of African Americans Toward Return of Results From Exome and Whole Genome Sequencing

“…Yet, AAs perhaps face a large number of potential barriers to accessing ES/WGS and benefiting results. Genetic knowledge among some AAs is limited [Akinleye et al, 2011;Goldenberg et al, 2011;Kessler et al, 2007;Suther and Kiros, 2009] and misperceptions of genetic risk, differences in the cultural acceptability of genetic services, and distrust [Eichmeyer et al, 2005] adversely impact test utilization [Susswein et al, 2008] and contribute to underrepresentation of AAs in genetic research. Furthermore, the informativeness of genetic results may differ for AA populations because AAs are more likely to have variants of uncertain significance [Nanda et al, 2005;Tennessen et al, 2012].…”

Promoting healthy dietary behaviour through personalised nutrition: technology push or technology pull?

“…Discourses arising in all eight countries framed personalised nutrition in terms of perceived benefit and risk (85) . The sort of benefit expected from personalised nutrition were health related and similar to those which have been previously reported (61)(62)(63)(64) and included those related to health and fitness such as losing weight, building muscle, preventing and treating disease. D-T-C personalised nutrition services were likened to 'the food equivalent of a personal trainer'.…”

“…The public also appear positive about donating genetic material to biobanks (19,58,59) and willing to supply genetic material for research purposes (60) . Reasons suggested by the public for taking up genetic testing not only include improving one's own health (61)(62)(63)(64) , but also of other family members and descendants (62)(63)(64)(65)(66) . Unsurprisingly, therefore, those with a family history of inherited conditions have been found to have more favourable attitudes towards genetic testing (21,55,67) and may be willing to pay more (56) .…”