Exploring perceptions of genetic testing: an examination of perceived accuracy over time.
OBJECTIVE
Despite the potential impact of perceptions of genetic testing, little research has examined these perceptions. The current study examined factors associated with perceived accuracy of genetic testing to detect BRCA1/2 mutations and change in perceived accuracy.


METHODS
Participants were recruited through advertisements, community groups, and local oncologists and gynecologists. Ashkenazi Jewish patients (N=120) at increased risk for BRCA1/2 genetic mutations were surveyed in a repeated-measures design with assessments at three time points: pre-counseling, post-counseling, and post-testing.


RESULTS
Better knowledge of cancer genetics related to higher perceived accuracy before counseling. Lower perceived risk of developing ovarian cancer was associated with increased perceived accuracy, while greater distress regarding gene status was associated with decreased perceived accuracy. Genetic test results were unrelated to change in perceived accuracy.


CONCLUSIONS
The results offer an initial look at how patients form perceptions of genetic testing. Both cognitive factors and affective factors relate to how patients perceived the accuracy of testing and how their perception changes over time.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding cognitive and affective factors which may impact patients' perceptions of genetic testing is important. Specifically, attention should be paid to educating patients regarding cancer genetics and encouraging adaptive coping strategies to deal with distress.
Shedlosky-Shoemaker
Randi
R
Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
Ngo
Tho L
TL
Ferketich
Amy K
AK
Porter
Kyle
K
Leventhal
Howard
H
Kelly
Kimberly M
KM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D019313:BRCA1 Protein; D024682:BRCA2 Protein; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012938:Social Perception; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D019313:BRCA1 Protein; C492913:BRCA1 protein, human; D024682:BRCA2 Protein; C551750:BRCA2 protein, human