Acculturation and familiarity, attitudes and beliefs about genetic testing for cancer risk within Latinas in East Harlem, New York City

Abstract

A5

The use and underuse of genetics services for cancer prevention is an area of emerging interest in health disparities research, with previous literature documenting the need for increasing utilization of genetic testing for cancer risk in Latinos, specifically. This study examined acculturation and familiarity, attitudes and beliefs about genetic testing for cancer risk within a sample of predominantly foreign-born (71.8%) Latinas who had completed a survey about genetic testing through the East Harlem Partnership for Cancer Awareness in New York City (N=103). Multivariate linear regression models analyzed the relationship of acculturation to: 1) familiarity with genetic testing, 2) advantages of genetic testing 3) disadvantages of genetic testing and 4) concerns about abuses of genetic testing for cancer risk. Results found that with increasing acculturation Latinas were more familiar with genetic testing (β=1.62, SE=0.72, p=0.03), more likely to cite advantages of genetic testing (β=1.67, SE=0.79, p=0.04), and less likely to report disadvantages of genetic testing (β=-2.76, SE=1.64, p=0.10), even after controlling for sociodemographic factors. As one of the first studies to examine this issue, research findings have important implications for addressing cancer disparities across race/ethnicity. Health education interventions/programs targeted to increase awareness, knowledge and understanding about genetic testing for cancer risk amongst Latinas and other immigrant populations should be designed to acknowledge the critical role of acculturation. Specifically, Latinas with lower acculturation may necessitate more individualized, culturally-tailored interventions compared to those with higher acculturation to tackle barriers including lack of familiarity and negative attitudes about genetic testing for cancer risk.