Adults' values and attitudes about genetic testing for obesity risk in children

Abstract

Objective: We explored personal attitudes about genetic testing of children for obesity risk among parents of overweight children. We also gathered telephone opinions from the parents and from obese adults about policy related to such genetic testing.

Methods: We conducted three parents' focus groups, during which they produced numerical ratings on whether they would want their children to be tested according to scenarios in which 1) genetically-targeted drug treatment would be available, 2) a positive test would be associated with a prognosis for developing diabetes, or 3) neither of these. Quantitative data were also gathered during follow-up calls.

Results: Parents were more likely to want testing for their children under the first two scenarios, although there was interest in the third scenario, particularly among separated/divorced parents, and those whose children were not dieting. Even if treatment were not available, more than three-quarters believed testing should be available, more than one-third of them at birth. The youngest child age to divulge a positive result, on average, was 10 years. A primary reason was the perceived helpfulness of the result in framing behavior of both parent and child in preventing development of obesity. Respondents generally failed to perceive the possible negative consequences of a positive test result, insufficiently to consider implications of a negative result.

Conclusions: Additional research is required in order to understand the best ways to educate parents about genetic testing for obesity risk, given the strong interest shown in having such testing available and divulging results to minor children.