Will genetic testing for complex diseases increase motivation to quit smoking? Anticipated reactions in a survey of smokers.
The aim of this study was to improve understanding of smokers' potential reactions to genetic testing for smoking-related diseases. One thousand twenty-four respondents completed a postal survey; 186 were smokers. Questions addressed anticipated psychological and behavioral reactions to genetic test results using hypothetical scenarios. Of smokers, 65% anticipated being motivated to quit smoking upon receiving a positive genetic test result; 39% anticipated being demotivated by a negative result. More smokers anticipated being depressed in response to receiving a positive result for cancer than for heart disease (40% vs. 24%). Anticipated motivation was associated with higher desire to quit and lower nicotine addiction, anticipated depression with poorer understanding of genetic testing, and anticipated demotivation with lower education. Smokers who have a high desire to quit may use genetic testing as a motivational tool. Understanding of genetics may be important in determining how individuals respond to genetic tests for complex diseases.
Sanderson
Saskia C
SC
Cancer Research U.K. Health Behaviour Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK. s.sanderson@ucl.ac.uk
Wardle
Jane
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*