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. 2020 Aug;29(4):494-504.
doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1228. Epub 2020 Feb 27.

Predictors of genetic beliefs toward cancer risk perceptions among adults in the United States: Implications for prevention or early detection

Lawrence P McKinney  1   2 , Gemechu B Gerbi  2 , Lee S Caplan  2 , Mechelle D Claridy  2 , Brian M Rivers  1   2
Affiliations

Predictors of genetic beliefs toward cancer risk perceptions among adults in the United States: Implications for prevention or early detection

Lawrence P McKinney et al. J Genet Couns. 2020 Aug.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess predictors of genetic beliefs toward cancer risk perceptions among adults, aged 18 years and over, in the United States (US). Data were obtained from the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Health Information National Trends Survey 2014 (HINTS) 4 Cycle 4. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess factors associated with an individual's beliefs about genetic and cancer risk perceptions. The results showed that African Americans, Non-White Hispanics, Non-Hispanic Asians, individuals with a high school education or less, and annual household incomes less than $20,000 and do not believe that health behaviors play some role in determining whether a person will develop cancer was significantly less likely to report that genetics plays at least some role in whether a person will develop cancer. Findings of this study provide an opportunity for genetic counselors to address beliefs about genetics and cancer risk perceptions among minority populations and promote health equity.

Keywords: attitudes; beliefs; disparities; diversity; education; genetic counseling; genetic testing; health behavior; health literacy; health promotion; public health; susceptibility testing; underrepresented populations.

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Conflict of interest statement

COMPLIANCE WITH E THIC AL STANDARDS

Conflict of interest

Lawrence P. McKinney, MPH, Gemechu. B. Gerbi, PhD MSc, Lee S. Caplan, MD PhD MPH, Mechelle D. Claridy, MPH, and Brian M. Rivers, PhD MPH have declared no conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Adapted from the NIMHD Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Network and select constructs from the Health Belief Model. Reflecting the multiple levels of influence relevant to minority health and health disparities
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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