Highlights
- •Latinx women with higher acculturation are more likely to consider genetic testing.
- •Latinx women more likely to consider testing if recommended by trusted provider.
- •Education levels positively correlated with intention to undergo genetic testing.
Abstract
Objectives
The current study aimed to explore attitudes toward genetic germline testing and intentions
to test in Latinas from Southern California. We hypothesized that patients' acculturation
and education levels, as well as comfort with health care providers, are positively
associated with attitudes and intentions toward genetic testing.
Methods
A survey was offered concurrently to Latinx female patients at a gynecologic oncology
practice and to unaffiliated Latinx community members. The survey assessed demographics,
structural, psychosocial, and acculturation factors and genetic testing attitudes
and intentions via validated scales.
Results
Of 148 surveys collected, 66% of responders had low levels of acculturation. 50% of
women had government-subsidized insurance; 22% had no schooling in the US. 67% of
participants did not carry a diagnosis of cancer.
Women with higher acculturation levels were more likely to consider genetic testing
(rs = 0.54, p = .001). Higher acculturated women and less acculturated women under 50 were more
likely to consider testing if it had been recommended by a female, trusted, or Hispanic/Latinx
provider (rs = 0.22, p = .01, rs = 0.27, p = .003 and rs = 0.19, p = .003, respectively) or if there was a recent cancer diagnosis (self or family,
rs = 0.19, p = .03). Overall, education correlated with intention to test. The more education
outside of the US, the less negative was the attitude toward being tested (rs = −0.41, p = .002).
Conclusions
Direct experiences with cancer, more schooling and higher acculturation coupled with
provider characteristics determined if Latinas were more open to testing. Provider
characteristics mattered: having a female, Latinx, Spanish speaking provider was important
for genetic testing decision-making. These findings are particularly pertinent in
areas with high Latinx populations.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 26, 2022
Accepted:
December 1,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 30,
2022
Received:
September 15,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
