Survey of Public Health Professionals on perspectives towards Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests. (20th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sassano, M; Hoxhaj, I; Stojanovic, J; Acampora, A; Boccia, S
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 31(2021)Supplement 3
• Publication Date: 2021-10-20
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The diffusion of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests (DTC-GTs) requires properly literate professionals to appropriately address the challenges they pose to Public Health (PH). Hence, we conducted a survey to assess the current state of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of PH professionals members of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) towards DTC-GTs. Methods: The results of a scoping review conducted on PubMed to identify articles on healthcare professionals' perspectives towards DTC-GTs were used to elaborate a survey, which was validated through a focus group with experts. EUPHA members were invited to participate through email invitation, and EUPHA and EUPHAnxt newsletters. We performed a descriptive analysis of the results, and a univariate analysis to evaluate associations between selected variables. Results: Two hundred and seventy-seven PH professionals (44.4% male, 55.6% female) completed the survey, 67.1% of whom were not involved in genetics or genomics within their professional activities. Although 78.0% were that companies are advertising and selling genetic tests directly to consumers, most of them reported a low level of awareness towards DTC-GTs applications and regulation aspects. The majority reported that a qualified health professional be involved in the DTC-GT process (91.7%), and did not feel prepared to address citizens' questions (64.6%). Eventually, 72.6% of the respondents stated that the provision of DTC-GT should be regulated on a national level, similarly to medicines. Conclusions: Our results revealed a high level of awareness about the existence of DTC-GTs. Despite the overall positive attitudes, PH professionals reported a high need for strengthening regulatory aspects of DTC-GTs provision process. The growing interest of DTC-GTs among citizens and the poor knowledge of PH Professionals about these tests highlights the need to identify strategies for literacy improvement. Key messages: Given the challenges for health systems, improving Public Health professionals' literacy on new technologies such as Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests is essential. The need for strengthening the regulation of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests expressed Public Health professionals should guide policymakers.