title: Biobank participants' preferences for disclosure of genetic research results: perspectives from the OurGenes, OurHealth, OurCommunity project.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess biobank participants' preferences for disclosure of genetic research results.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional survey of participants in the OurGenes, OurHealth, OurCommunity biobank. Respondents were surveyed about preferences for disclosure, importance of disclosure, communication of results with practitioners, and sharing of results after respondents' death. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess independent sociodemographic and clinical predictors of disclosure preferences. Data collection occurred from June 6, 2011, to June 25, 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 1154 biobank participants, 555 (48%) responded. Most thought that research result disclosure was important (90%). Preference for disclosure varied, depending on availability of disease treatment (90% vs 64%, P<.001), high vs low disease risk (79% vs 66%, P<.001), and serious vs mild disease (83% vs 68%, P<.001). More than half of respondents (57%) preferred disclosure even when there is uncertainty about the results' meaning, and 87% preferred disclosure if the disease is highly heritable. Older age was positively associated with interest in disclosure, whereas female sex, nonwhite race, diabetes mellitus, and depression and/or anxiety were negatively associated with disclosure. More than half of respondents (52%) would want their results returned to their nearest biological relative after death.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  OurGenes biobank participants report strong preferences for disclosure of research results, and most would designate a relative to receive results after death. Participant preferences for serious vs mild disease, high vs low disease risk, and availability of disease treatment differed significantly. Future research should consider family members' preferences for receiving research results from enrolled research participants.
authors.affiliation: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Nicole L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.affiliation: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Karlson
authors.affiliation: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malspeis
authors.affiliation: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Bing
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.affiliation: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Christine E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Seidman
authors.affiliation: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Electronic address: llehmann1@partners.org.
authors.forename: Lisa Soleymani
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Lehmann
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D030881:Disclosure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires