Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Consumer genomic testing for nutrition and wellness, (nutritional genomics), is becoming increasingly popular. Concurrently, health-care practitioners (HPs) working in private practice (including doctors interested in integrative medicine, private genetic counsellors, pharmacists, dieticians, naturopaths and nutritionists) are involved as test facilitators or interpreters. OBJECTIVE: To explore Australian consumers' and HPs' experiences with nutrigenomic testing. METHOD: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using predominantly purposive sampling. The two data sets were analysed individually, then combined, using a constant comparative, thematic approach. RESULTS: Overall, 45 interviews were conducted with consumers (n = 18) and HPs (n = 27). Many of the consumer interviewees experienced chronic ill-health. Nutrigenomic testing was perceived as empowering and a source of hope for answers. While most made changes to their diet/supplements post-test, self-reported health improvements were small. A positive relationship with their HP appeared to minimize disappointment. HPs' adoption and views of nutrigenomic testing varied. Those enthusiastic about testing saw the possibilities it could offer. However, many felt nutrigenomic testing was not the only 'tool' to utilize when offering health care. DISCUSSION: This research highlights the important role HPs play in consumers' experiences of nutrigenomics. The varied practice suggests relevant HPs require upskilling in this area to at least support their patients/clients, even if nutrigenomic testing is not part of their practice. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Advisory group included patient/public group representatives who informed study design; focus group participants gave feedback on the survey from which consumer interviewees were sourced. This informed the HP data set design. Interviewees from HP data set assisted with snowball sampling.
Source: Health Expectations
DOI: 10.1111/hex.13216
Institutions: The University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, UNSW Sydney, The University of Sydney, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Connecting Science, Monash University, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,673
Awards: Preparing Australia for Genomic Medicine: A proposal by the Australian Genomics Health Alliance, G6679527465, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute - generic account for deposition of all core- funded research papers., Understanding the Australian public's expectations of personalised genomics, G831061858, G8331112255
OpenAlex ID: W3130158255