Information Seeking and Intentions to have Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancers in Rural and Appalachian Kentuckians
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 2007
Keywords
Adult, Appalachian Region, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Genetic Diseases, Inborn, Genetic Testing, Health Care Surveys, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Information Services, Intention, Interviews as Topic, Kentucky, Male, Mass Screening, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Rural Population
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-0361.2007.00085.x
Abstract
CONTEXT: Research is limited regarding the potential of genetic testing for cancer risk in rural Appalachia.
PURPOSE: 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).
FINDINGS: 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.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
The Journal of Rural Health, v. 23, no. 2, p. 166-172
Scholar Commons Citation
Kelly, Kimberly M.; Andrews, James E.; Case, Donald O.; Allard, Suzanne L.; and Johnson, J. David, "Information Seeking and Intentions to have Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancers in Rural and Appalachian Kentuckians" (2007). School of Information Faculty Publications. 250.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/si_facpub/250
