Sociodemographic factors and beliefs about medicines in the uptake of pharmacogenomic testing in older adults

Pharmacogenomics. 2021 Feb;22(3):125-135. doi: 10.2217/pgs-2020-0077. Epub 2021 Feb 19.

Abstract

Aim: To assess the impact of sociodemographic factors and beliefs about medicines on the uptake of pharmacogenomic testing in older adults in a public healthcare system. Materials & methods: Data are based on a sample of 347 primary care older adults. Results: Most respondents (90%) were willing to provide a saliva sample and 47% were willing to pay for it. Increased age (odds ratio: 0.91; p = 0.04) and negative beliefs about the harmfulness of medicines (odds ratio: 0.68; p = 0.02) were associated with a decreased willingness to provide a sample. Lower education (less than university, odds ratio: 0.54; p = 0.04) was associated with a decreased willingness to pay. Conclusion: Education and beliefs about medicines are important factors in the acceptability of pharmacogenomic testing in older adults.

Keywords: beliefs about medicines; older adults; pharmacogenetic testing; sociodemographics; willingness to pay.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Culture*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Expenditures* / trends
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care* / psychology
  • Pharmacogenomic Testing / economics*
  • Pharmacogenomic Testing / trends
  • Socioeconomic Factors*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Grants and funding