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Influence of genetic discrimination perceptions and knowledge on cancer genetics referral practice among clinicians.
- Source :
-
Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics [Genet Med] 2008 Sep; Vol. 10 (9), pp. 691-8. - Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- Purpose: To describe nongenetics clinicians' perceptions and knowledge of cancer genetics and laws prohibiting genetic discrimination, attitudes toward the use of cancer genetic testing, and referral practices.<br />Methods: Invitations to participate were sent to a random stratified sample of California Medical Association members and to all members of California Association of Nurse Practitioners and California Latino Medical Association. Responders in active practice were eligible and completed a 47-item survey.<br />Results: There were 1181 qualified participants (62% physicians). Although 96% viewed genetic testing as beneficial for their patients, 75% believed fear of genetic discrimination would cause patients to decline testing. More than 60% were not aware of federal or California laws prohibiting health insurance discrimination--concern about genetic discrimination was selected as a reason for nonreferral by 11%. A positive attitude toward genetic testing was the strongest predictor of referral (odds ratio: 3.55 [95% confidence interval: 2.24-5.63], P < 0.001) in stepwise logistic regression analyses. The higher the belief in genetic discrimination, the less likely a participant was to refer (odds ratio: 0.72 [95% confidence interval: 0.518-0.991], P < 0.05), whereas more knowledge of genetic discrimination law was associated with comfort recommending (odds ratio: 1.18 [95% confidence interval: 1.11-1.25], P < 0.001) and actual referral (odds ratio: 3.55 [95% confidence interval: 2.24-5.63], P < 0.001).<br />Conclusion: Concerns about genetic discrimination and knowledge deficits may be barriers to cancer genetics referrals. Clinician education may help promote access to cancer screening and prevention.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
California
Early Detection of Cancer
Female
Genetic Counseling
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Middle Aged
Risk Assessment
Surveys and Questionnaires
Genetic Privacy psychology
Genetic Testing
Nurse Practitioners psychology
Physicians psychology
Practice Patterns, Physicians' statistics & numerical data
Referral and Consultation statistics & numerical data
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1530-0366
- Volume :
- 10
- Issue :
- 9
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 18978681
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1097GIM.0b013e3181837246