Impact of genomic literacy components on genetic testing decision-making in the general Japanese population in the 20s and 30s

Abstract

In promoting genomic medicine, genomic literacy, which is the public’s ability to acquire and utilize the knowledge and skills related to genetics and genomes, requires urgent improvement. This study determined how the three components of genomic literacy (genetic/genomic knowledge, health numeracy, and interactive and critical health literacy) are associated with risk and benefit perception for genetic testing and decision-making related to genetic testing. Using an online questionnaire, we surveyed genetic/genomic knowledge, health numeracy, interactive and critical health literacy, risk and benefit perception of genetic testing, and intention toward genetic testing of 857 Japanese citizens (aged 20–39). A vignette was created to measure the intention toward genetic testing, and respondents were asked about their willingness to undergo genetic testing and to share the results with their partners and children. The path analysis, which was done by creating a path diagram revealing the relationship of the three components with risk and benefit perception, revealed that genetic and genomic knowledge and interactive and critical health literacy affected the respondents’ intention to undergo genetic testing via recognition of the benefits of such testing. Further, it was suggested that health numeracy affects benefit perception through risk perception toward genetic testing. However, the goodness of fit of this model for the intention of conveying positive results to partners and children was relatively low, thus indicating that the hypothetical model needs to be reexamined.

Demographic Determinants Influencing the Adoption of Genetic Testing for Cardiovascular Diseases in Japan ― Insights From a Large-Scale Online Survey ―

“…20 Beyond health conditions, personal attributes, such as the individual’s belief systems, health literacy, and overall approach to health, may also influence the decision to undergo genetic testing. Although no previous studies have directly linked rationality to CVD genetic testing, factors such as health numeracy 6 and motivation 20 could be promising drivers, implying a significant role for rationality. Notably, even after adjusting for baseline background information, the correlation between QOL, rationality score, and the decision to undergo genetic testing remained significant, indicating that these factors continue to be relevant and highlighting the need for further research in this area.…”

“… 5 Providers face challenges from inadequate knowledge, lack of testing experience, skepticism regarding test utility, and concerns about triggering unnecessary subsequent tests. 6 Moreover, fundamental demographic factors, including age, sex, education level, and income, have been recognized as having a significant role in shaping general acceptance of genetic testing. 7 However, these findings predominantly focus on genetic diseases overall, with limited exploration of specific conditions such as CVD.…”

“…5 Providers face challenges from inadequate knowledge, lack of testing experience, skepticism regarding test utility, and concerns about triggering unnecessary subsequent tests. 6 Moreover, fundamental demographic factors, including age, sex, education level, Company, Tokyo, Japan). The questionnaire was disseminated via Freeasy's online platform.…”