Application of a bogus testing procedure to determine college students' utilization of genetic screening for alcoholism.
A convenience sample of 181 college students took part in a quasi-experimental study that tested the use of genetic screening for alcoholism--a test that does not yet exist. A questionnaire was administered before and after the students viewed a presentation that accurately explained genetic susceptibility to alcoholism but misled them by offering "a newly available" test. Alcohol-related variables were assessed before the presentation. Test-seeking intention and reasons for and against testing were assessed after the presentation. Regression analysis found that being Caucasian, female, and somewhat older than traditional college age, and having a history of early drunkenness were significant predictors of testing intention. During the week following data collection, only 7 participants (4%) attempted to schedule a test. Implications of these findings and the ethical issues related to predictive screening for alcoholism in the college population are discussed.
Thombs
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Department of Adult, Counseling, Health, and Vocational Education at Kent State University, Ohio, USA.
Mahoney
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CA
Olds
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics*; D008192:Deception; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D014495:Universities