Work

Donation Intentions for Cancer Genetics Research Among African Americans

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: AIMS: Scientific agencies rely on individuals to donate their DNA to support research on chronic conditions that disproportionately affect African Americans; however, donation is variable in this population. The purpose of this study was to identify sociodemographic characteristics, health care variables, and cultural values having significant independent associations with intentions to donate blood or saliva samples for cancer genetics research among African American adults. METHOD: Cross-sectional survey of donation intentions. RESULTS: The majority of respondents (73%) were willing to donate a biological sample for cancer genetics research. The results of the multivariate regression model found that respondents who received care at a facility other than a doctor's office (e.g., community center) were about five times more likely to be willing to donate a sample for cancer genetics research (odds ratio [OR]=5.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.16-24.12, p=0.03); whereas, greater levels of religiosity (OR=0.09, 95% CI=0.01-0.75, p=0.02) and present temporal orientation (OR=0.23, 95% CI=0.06-0.79, p=0.02) were associated with a lower likelihood of donating a sample. CONCLUSION: Efforts to enhance donation of biological samples for cancer genetics research may need to target diverse clinical sites for recruitment. Additionally, recruitment materials may need to address cultural values related to religiosity and present temporal orientation.

Source: Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers

DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2011.0119