Objective. To conduct a preliminary exploration of psychological outcomes and health behaviour in individuals undergoing testing for genetic mutations associated with thrombophilia.
Methods. Subjects were 57 carriers and 54 non-carriers identified through an existing pilot study. Part I analyzed perceived risk and psychological data collected at baseline, 1 week and 12 months post-test. Part II used a cross-sectional survey to collect data regarding: test implications, perceived causes and control, and behaviour change post-test.
Results. Accuracy of risk perception improved post-test due to decreased risk perception among non-carriers. No major psychological harms were identified, but a subgroup of carriers may experience distress. Participants had a high sense of control over their risk of venous thromboembolism and had a good understanding of risk factors. Many tried to change their behaviours post-test, but did not report doing this specifically to reduce their risk of a blood clot.
Conclusions. This exploratory study suggests no major psychological harm arising from genetic testing, but its findings need replication with larger samples.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uottawa.ca/oai:ruor.uottawa.ca:10393/27241 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Dunn, Crystal R |
| Publisher | University of Ottawa (Canada) |
| Source Sets | Université d’Ottawa |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 175 p. |
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