Donation intentions for cancer genetics research among African Americans.
OBJECTIVE
Scientific agencies rely on individuals to donate their DNA to support research on chronic conditions that disproportionately affect African Americans; however, donation is variable in this population. The purpose of this study was to identify sociodemographic characteristics, health care variables, and cultural values having significant independent associations with intentions to donate blood or saliva samples for cancer genetics research among African American adults.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of donation intentions.


RESULTS
The majority of respondents (73%) were willing to donate a biological sample for cancer genetics research. The results of the multivariate regression model found that respondents who received care at a facility other than a doctor's office (e.g., community center) were about five times more likely to be willing to donate a sample for cancer genetics research (odds ratio [OR]=5.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.16-24.12, p=0.03); whereas, greater levels of religiosity (OR=0.09, 95% CI=0.01-0.75, p=0.02) and present temporal orientation (OR=0.23, 95% CI=0.06-0.79, p=0.02) were associated with a lower likelihood of donating a sample.


CONCLUSIONS
Efforts to enhance donation of biological samples for cancer genetics research may need to target diverse clinical sites for recruitment. Additionally, recruitment materials may need to address cultural values related to religiosity and present temporal orientation.
Center for Community-Based Research and Health Disparities, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Jasmine A
JA
McDonald
Benita
B
Weathers
Frances K
FK
Barg
Andrea B
AB
Troxel
Judy A
JA
Shea
Deborah
D
Bowen
Carmen E
CE
Guerra
Chanita Hughes
CH
Halbert
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D001769:Blood; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D036281:Genetic Research; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D012463:Saliva; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology*