141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

287975
Factors associated with interest in genetic testing for breast cancer among Latina and non-hispanic white women

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH , Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, Institute for Health Promotion Research, San Antonio, TX
Alan Holden, PhD , The Institute for Health Promotion Research, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Sandra San Miguel, MS , Dept Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Kipling Gallion, MA , Dept of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Background. Identification of BRCA genetic mutations offers “early warning” of disease potential. However Latinas comprise only 1-4% of women undergoing BRCA testing. Here we examine this disparity by determining the extent of interest in genetic testing among Latina and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) women, and explore factors associated with interest.

Methods. We surveyed 290 women recruited from the UTHSCSA Cancer Therapy and Research Center catchment area. Women were assigned BC risk status per American College of Medical Genetics Foundation guidelines. Chi-Square, T-tests, Anova and multivariate logistic regression were used.

Results. Overall 80% of women were “very interested” in breast cancer (BC) genetic testing. Latina ethnicity, use of alternate “non-Latino” health care services (e.g. acupuncture, chiropractic medicine) and negative testing perceptions were inversely related to interest. Latinas were less interested in genetic testing regardless of genetic risk or BC history [Low- risk: 75.3% Latinas v 84.9% NHW (p<0.05); High-risk: 75.3% Latinas v 84.9% NHW (p<0.05); [NoHx of Cancer Latinas 75.6% v 90.2% p<0.04, Hx Cancer Latinas 72.0% v 82.9%, p<0.05.] In NHW women, negative perception of testing was inversely related with interest (OR=0.735, p<0.01), whereas among Latinas, high BC risk (OR=2.38, p<0.01) and having biological daughters (OR=7.85, p<0.001) are positively associated with interest.

Conclusion. Overall, interest in genetic testing appears to be high. However, more NHW than Latino women are very interested in genetic testing for BC. NHW interest is influenced negatively by use of nontraditional sources of medical care. Latina interest is associated with personal risk perception and having biological daughters.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe the level of breast cancer genetic testing interest in Latina and Non-Hispanic White women. Discuss differences in genetic testing interest in the two groups.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Genetics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: My primary goal is to research the causes and solutions for health disparities affecting residents locally, regionally and nationally. My Institute's research and community outreach include all chronic diseases, with special emphasis on cancer prevention and control. With over 30 years' experience in program planning, implementation and evaluation, much of my work has focused on underserved Latino audiences. I have led multiple NCI-funded programs and am PI of Redes en Accion (Networks in Action).
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.