Psychometric Properties of the POAGTS: A Tool for Understanding Parents’ Perceptions Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder Genetic Testing

Shixi Zhao, Wei-Ju Chen, Oi-Man Kwok, Shweta U. Dhar, Tanya N. Eble, Tung-Sung Tseng and Lei-Shih Chen
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Shixi Zhao: Department of Health, Exercise & Sports Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
Wei-Ju Chen: Department of Psychology, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX 79762, USA
Oi-Man Kwok: Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Shweta U. Dhar: Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Tanya N. Eble: Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Tung-Sung Tseng: Behavioral and Community Health Sciences Program, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Lei-Shih Chen: Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: Due to the increased prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more children with ASD may be referred for genetic testing. It is important to develop a tool to help parents consider the benefits and drawbacks of genetic testing for ASD before pursuing genetic testing for children with ASD. We developed the first theory-based survey—Perceptions of ASD Genetic Testing Survey (POAGTS), as a tool to assist healthcare providers to better understand parents’ perceptions and concerns regarding ASD genetic testing. The psychometric properties of POAGTS were first pre-tested and then formally tested with 308 parents of children with ASD who had not decided whether to pursue genetic testing for their children diagnosed with ASD. Findings suggest that the eight scales of the POAGTS were psychometrically sound, and had acceptable data reliability and validity. Additional research with various samples, such as parents of children with ASD who belong to diverse racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups, is warranted in the future to determine whether the POAGTS is applicable to these particular groups. Condensing and refining this tool to a shorter, more user-friendly version is also recommended for future research.

Keywords: Autism; genetic testing; psychometric properties; survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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