What Motivates Individuals to Get Obesity Related Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Tests? A Reasoned Action Approach

ABSTRACT

Background: Research suggest that genetic testing and its application (personalized medicine/precision medicine) has great potential to help public health professionals deliver proper health promotion and education to target populations who have high predispositions for certain genetic-related diseases. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) to investigate factors that influence behavioral intentions for obtaining an Obesity Related Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests (ODTCGT). Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design. Data were collected by an online questionnaire and administered to a sample attending a large public Southwestern university (n = 288). Results: Perceived norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control predicted a significant amount of the variance of behavioral intentions (adjusted R2 = 0.642). An independent group t-test showed that those who had prior knowledge of the obesity gene, and genetic testing, had significantly higher behavioral intentions, and behavioral antecedents. Discussion: Results from this study show that the RAA is a valid and robust model for investigating one’s behavioral intention of obtaining ODTCGT, and attitudes, perceived norms, and PBC.

Translation to Health Education Practice: Findings from this study suggest that to motivate young adults, public health educators should create strategies to change their perceived norms (stemming from descriptive norms).

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.