Risk, reward, and the double-edged sword: Perspectives on pharmacogenetic research and clinical testing among Alaska Native people

J.L. Shaw, R. Robinson, H. Starks, W. Burke and D.A. Dillard

American Journal of Public Health, 2013, vol. 103, issue 12, 2220-2225

Abstract: Objectives. Pharmacogenetic research and clinical testing raise important concerns for individuals and communities, especially where past medical research and practice has perpetrated harm and cultivated distrust of health care systems and clinicians. We investigated perceptions of pharmacogenetics among Alaska Native (AN) people. Methods. We held four focus groups for 32 ANs in south central Alaska to elicit views about pharmacogenetics in general and for treatment of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, depression, and nicotine addiction. We analyzed data for perceived risks and rewards of pharmacogenetics. Results. Potential risks of pharmacogenetics included health care rationing, misuse of information, and stigma to individuals and the AN community. Potential rewards included decreased care costs, improved outcomes, and community development. Participants also discussed 8 contingent conditions that could mitigate risks and increase pharmacogenetic acceptability. Conclusions. Alaska Natives perceive pharmacogenetics as potentially benefitting and harming individuals, communities, and health systems, depending on methods and oversight. Researchers, clinicians, and administrators, especially in community-based clinic and health care systems serving minority populations, must address this "double-edged sword" to effectively conduct pharmacogenetics.

Keywords: adolescent; adult; article; attitude to health; Eskimo; ethnology; female; genetic screening; genetics; human; information processing; male; medical research; pharmacogenetics; psychological aspect; qualitative research; reward; risk assessment; trust; United States; young adult; Inuit; psychology, Adolescent; Adult; Alaska; Biomedical Research; Female; Focus Groups; Genetic Testing; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Inuits; Male; Pharmacogenetics; Qualitative Research; Reward; Risk Assessment; Trust; Young Adult, Adolescent; Adult; Alaska; Biomedical Research; Female; Focus Groups; Genetic Testing; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Inuits; Male; Pharmacogenetics; Qualitative Research; Reward; Risk Assessment; Trust; Young Adult (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301596_0

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301596

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