Intentions to participate in genetics research among African Americans

African American utilization of genetic services is low even though there may be tangible benefits, but limited empirical data are available on intentions to participate in genetics research that may not be personally beneficial. We evaluated intentions to donate blood and/or tissue samples for genetics research under various conditions that included being stored for future research, if personal results would not be provided, and to find genes that affect cancer development in 149 adult African Americans. Individuals were most willing to participate in research that was being conducted to identify cancer genes (73% agree/strongly agree) and were least willing to participate in research in which investigators would not be able to notify them if they discovered they had a medical condition (26% agree/strongly agree). Fifty-four percent were willing to participate in research in which their sample was stored for later use. None of the sociodemographics were associated significantly with participation intentions, but individuals who were willing to participate in research where samples would be stored had significantly greater future temporal orientation (Mean (SD)=15.62 (2.1) compared to those who were unwilling to participate (Mean (SD)=14.77 (2.8) (t=2.08, p=0.04). Only exposure to information about genes involved in chronic disease was associated with intentions to participate in research in which individuals would not be told about a medical condition (Willing, Mean (SD)=15.50 (3.6) versus Unwilling, Mean (SD)=4.2) (t=2.85, p=0.01). Our findings demonstrate that participation intentions vary among African Americans depending on the purpose of the study and the outcomes of the research.