Alerting the general population to genetic risks: the value of health messages communicating the existence of genetic risk factors for public health promotion.
BACKGROUND
Health messages alerting the public to previously unknown genetic risk factors for multifactorial diseases are a potentially useful strategy to create public awareness, and may be an important first step in promoting public health. However, there is a lack of evidence-based insight into its impact on individuals who were unaware of the existence of genetic risk factors at the moment of information exposure.


METHODS
The authors conducted 3 experimental studies with health messages communicating information about genetic risk factors for salt sensitivity (Studies 1A and 1B) and heightened cholesterol (Study 2) compared with general information without reference to genetic risk factors as a between-subjects variable and risk perception and intention to engage in preventive behavior as dependent variables.


RESULTS
All 3 studies revealed lower perceived susceptibility among participants who received information on genetic risk factors, which was associated with lowered intentions to engage in preventive behavior. In Studies 1A and 1B, these effects were observed only for previously unaware individuals, whereas in Study 2, they were observed for the entire sample.


CONCLUSIONS
Alerting the public to the existence of genetic risk factors may not necessarily be beneficial to public health. Public health promoters should be aware of the possible adverse effects of alerting the general population to genetic risk factors, and should simultaneously educate the public about the meaning and consequences of such factors.
Smerecnik
Chris M R
CM
School for Public Health and Primary Care (Caphri), Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. c.smerecnik@gvo.unimaas.nl
Mesters
Ilse
I
de Vries
Nanne K
NK
de Vries
Hein
H
D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult