Public awareness and use of direct-to-consumer genetic tests: results from 3 state population-based surveys, 2006

Am J Public Health. 2009 Mar;99(3):442-5. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.131631. Epub 2008 Dec 23.

Abstract

We conducted population-based surveys on direct-to-consumer nutrigenomic testing in Michigan, Oregon, and Utah as part of the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Awareness of the tests was highest in Oregon (24.4%) and lowest in Michigan (7.6%). Predictors of awareness were more education, higher income, and increasing age, except among those 65 years or older. Less than 1% had used a health-related direct-to-consumer genetic test. Public health systems should increase consumer and provider education and continue surveillance on direct-to-consumer genetic tests.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Awareness
  • Genetic Testing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Education / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Michigan
  • Nutrigenomics / education*
  • Nutrigenomics / statistics & numerical data
  • Oregon
  • Public Health / trends
  • Utah