title: Attitudes toward genetic testing: gender, role, and discipline.
abstract: As a result of the Human Genome Project, genetic testing could result in the availability of detailed genetic information (presence of disease, genetic risk or predisposition to disease, and characteristics or traits) that can ultimately be used for healthcare-related decisions. This study explored whether gender, role, and professional discipline would influence attitudes toward genetic testing when making reproductive decisions, as interpreted by 2 roles--as a parent making decisions or as a professional giving advice. An original research instrument was administered to masters and doctoral genetics students, pediatric residents, and masters-level ministry students. Statistical analyses revealed that discipline strongly influenced decision making while gender rarely did. In addition, differences in attitudes were also found based on parental and professional roles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Information Management, College of Allied Health Professions, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa 19140, USA. laurinda.harman@temple.edu
authors.forename: Laurinda B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Harman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015142:Baltimore; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics*; D004219:District of Columbia; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000941:ethics*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics*; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000193:education / Q000941:ethics; D016045:Human Genome Project; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education / Q000941:ethics; D010414:Pennsylvania; D024382:Professional Role; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D028725:Theology / Q000193:education