Information seeking and intentions to have genetic testing for hereditary cancers in rural and Appalachian Kentuckians.
BACKGROUND
Research is limited regarding the potential of genetic testing for cancer risk in rural Appalachia.


OBJECTIVE
This study examined perceptions of genetic testing in a population sample of Kentuckians, with a focus on Appalachian and rural differences. The goals were to examine cultural and psychosocial factors that may predict intentions to test for hereditary cancer, need for help with information seeking for decision making about genetic testing for hereditary cancer, and amount of help needed with information seeking for decision making about genetic testing for hereditary cancer in this population.


METHODS
Analysis of data from a general social survey of adults using random-digit dialing in Kentucky (N = 882).


RESULTS
An ordinal regression found that younger age, having a family history of cancer, and greater worry predicted greater intentions to seek genetic testing. A logistic regression found that having more education, excellent subjective knowledge of genetics, and less worry about cancer predicted less need for help in seeking information about testing. An ordinal regression found that less subjective knowledge of genetics and greater worry predicted greater amount of help needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Additional counseling to explain limitations of genetic testing may be needed. Further, those with less knowledge about genetics and more worry about hereditary cancer may have greater need for help with information seeking for decision making, a need that may be further exacerbated by the lack of medical professionals, particularly genetic counselors, who may provide information about genetic testing in rural, Appalachian Kentucky.
Kelly
Kimberly M
KM
Human Cancer Genetics, the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. Kelly@osumc.edu
Andrews
James E
JE
Case
Donald O
DO
Allard
Suzanne L
SL
Johnson
J David
JD
D000328:Adult; D001061:Appalachian Region; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D033182:Intention; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007629:Kentucky / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*