When Is My Genetic Information Your Business? Biological, Emotional, and Financial Claims to Knowledge

Deciding to undergo a predictive genetic test is difficult. The patient has no symptoms that might tip the balance in favor of the test, and knowledge of the information might have significant implications for her physical and mental health, her family, and her financial position. Furthermore, although the decision to undergo many medical tests might reasonably be said to be the patient's own business, it could be argued that predictive genetic tests are different. Dean Bell and Belinda Bennett argue that genetic information has a “shared” or “familial” character due to the likelihood of it affecting others. If others might be affected by the results of your test, then it is certainly plausible to suggest that they have an interest in knowing the information. If that is the case, then it could also be argued that they are entitled to be considered when you are deciding whether to undergo a test.

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Loneliness and aging in China–a public health problem in need of solutions

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s104161021400177x ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 1771-1772 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Shulin Chen ◽

Yeates Conwell ◽

Helen Fung Kum Chiu

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Relationships ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Research Attention ◽

Her Family ◽

The Individual

Loneliness is a common, distressing feeling that results when one perceives his/her social relationships and supports as inadequate. Social connectedness refers to the relationships between the individual and his or her family, friends, community, and other supports. Neither loneliness nor social connectedness has received enough research attention, in particular with regard to older adults’ physical and mental health.

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Consumer preferences for the predictive genetic tests for Alzheimer’s disease

Farmeconomia Health economics and therapeutic pathways ◽

10.7175/fe.v13i2.191 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 61-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ming-Yi Huang ◽

Matthew Perri III

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Genetic Testing ◽

Genetic Test ◽

Public Awareness ◽

False Negative ◽

Consumer Preference ◽

Predictive Genetic Testing ◽

Genetic Tests ◽

Predictive Genetic Tests

With the advent of predictive genetic tests, individuals will have the option to investigate their future risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This knowledge can benefit people as they start to prepare themselves as well as their families for the disease process. The use of predictive genetic tests will likely increase as technology and genetic marker identification continues to advance. Thus, aligning the clinical practice of predictive genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease with patient values and preferences has the potential to improve healthcare delivery. Several issues have been identified in this review regarding people’s preference when making a decision to test for AD, which include prediction value (i.e. false-positive/false-negative results), availability of treatments that would prevent or delay onset of AD, and anonymity/confidentiality. Literature indicates the most relevant issues regarding consumer preference for AD genetic testing is predictive value (accuracy). While fewer studies have discussed the effects of treatment availability or anonymity on consumer preference, these issues may become more important as technology continues to advance and public awareness of these issues increases. Future research in the area of consumer behavior with regard to predictive genetic testing is suggested.Most previous studies regarding consumer intent and preference for AD genetic tests have used small samples, convenience samples, or samples which were predominantly Caucasian, female and high socioeconomic status. Additionally, effects of most socio-demographics on the preference for AD genetic test are unclear in the literature. Conflicting results have been found regarding gender, education, income, and culture. An extension of the previous work using a larger and randomized sample may help to provide clearer relationship between these socio-demographics and consumer preference for AD genetic test.

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Self-management of fear due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the changes it has brought to the everyday life (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.34672 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chrisi Vlachou ◽

Alexandros Argyriadis ◽

Agathi Argyriadi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Life ◽

Family Members ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Self Management ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Her Family ◽

The Third ◽

Informed Consent Form ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The recent pandemic of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, has had financial and social repercussions apart from its consequences to the physical and mental health of humans. OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to study the way of the self-management of stress and fear which has been caused by the pandemic crisis, as well as the impact of the pandemic on daily living. More specifically, the factors which influenced the management of the symptoms of fear, either in a positive or in a negative way, were studied, and also the ways individuals and their families use to manage fear. METHODS The method which was used was the case study of an adult female who lives and works in a Greek town, during the third curfew, in March 2021. The tool which was used for data collection was the semi-structured interview, by utilizing a questionnaire consisting of 10 open-ended questions. Before the start of the interview, a signed informed consent form was obtained. The questions were divided into three topic areas, with the first concerning the demonstration of stress before the pandemic broke out, the second concerning the fear during the pandemic, and the third dealing with the ways of managing fear, the availability of persons capable of helping, as well as the kind of help she could have sought to cope with this situation. RESULTS The results of this study showed the impact of the curfew restrictions for the management of the pandemic on the daily lives of the people who experience them. Before the start of the pandemic, stress was primarily related to work and to the need of maintaining a routine. Public fear intensified during the pandemic and the lockdown, both in relation to work and in relation to the pandemic itself, and also in relation to its effects on work and social life, and certainly on physical and mental health. Her stress affected the rest of her family members; however, her social network proved to be a significant support. CONCLUSIONS Stress and fear increased during the pandemic and the lockdown which was imposed in Greece in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This stress, which prior to the pandemic was focused mainly on work-related issues, spread to other areas of daily life, a fact that affected all the family members. Discussions and support from the husband, and also from the wider circle of family and friends, helped deal with and manage the situation which was caused by the pandemic, due to the special living conditions which were in force.

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