Intentions to use predictive testing by those at risk for Huntington's disease

Implications for prevention

Bibliographic Data

ID11054891
AuthorsGregory J Meissen (corresponding author), Roxanna L Berchek (Wichita State University)
Year1988
Volume16
Issue2
Pages261-277
Publication date1988-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Community Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-0562 • E-ISSN: 1573-2770
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1007/bf00912526
PMID2970219
OpenAlexW2022614889
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited35

Huntington's disease (HD) is a late onset, genetic disorder that is incurable and undetectable until the onset of symptoms. A marker for the gene that causes HD was recently discovered which will lead to a predictive test. The purpose of this research was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions concerning the impending predictive test by those at risk for HD. Results indicated that a majority of participants favored using the test presymptomatically and would encourage their adult children to use it as well. Fewer participants favored using the predictive test prenatally or on minors. Characteristics that best differentiated those who intend and do not intend to use predictive testing were identified and discussed. Suggestions for interventions were presented with an emphasis on outreach and prevention programs designed to prepare HD families for the difficult decisions the predictive test will precipitate and the subsequent impact of those decisions

Disease · Health psychology · Huntington's disease · Pathology · Predictive testing · Public health · Clinical Psychology · Genetic Neurodegenerative Diseases · Internal Medicine · Medicine · Psychology

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