Effects of Undergoing Multiplex Genetic Susceptibility Testing on Parent Attitudes towards Testing Their Children.

Madeo AC, Tercyak KP, Tarini BA, McBride CM.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Parents may pursue common disease risk information about themselves via multiplex genetic susceptibility testing (MGST) for their children.

PURPOSE:

To prospectively assess whether parents who received MGST disclosed their test results to their child, intended to change the child's health habits, or have the child tested.

METHODS:

Eighty parents who opted for free MGST completed an online survey about a child in their household before undergoing MGST and a follow-up telephone survey 3 months after receiving results.

RESULTS:

Few parents (21 %) disclosed results to the child. Undergoing MGST was unrelated to intentions to change the child's health habits but did increase parental willingness to test the child. Greater willingness to test a child was associated with positive attitudes toward pediatric genetic testing and intentions to change the child's health habits.