Models of communication for polygenic scores and associated psychosocial and behavioral effects on recipients: A systematic review.

Courtney K Wallingford, Hannah Kovilpillai, Chris Jacobs, Erin Turbitt, Clare A Primiero, Mary-Anne Young, Deanna G Brockman, H Peter Soyer, Aideen M McInerney-Leo, Tatiane Yanes

Journal: Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics 2023;25(1):1-11

PMID: 36322150

Free Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

PURPOSE

This study aimed to systematically review current models for communicating polygenic scores (PGS) and psycho-behavioral outcomes of receiving PGSs.

METHODS

Original research on communicating PGSs and reporting on psycho-behavioral outcomes was included. Search terms were applied to 5 databases and were limited by date (2009-2021).

RESULTS

In total, 28 articles, representing 17 studies in several disease settings were identified. There was limited consistency in PGS communication and evaluation/reporting of outcomes. Most studies (n = 14) presented risk in multiple ways (ie, numerically, verbally, and/or visually). Three studies provided personalized lifestyle advice and additional resources. Only 1 of 17 studies reported using behavior change theory to inform their PGS intervention. A total of 8 studies found no evidence of long-term negative psychosocial effects up to 12 months post result. Of 14 studies reporting on behavior, 9 found at least 1 favorable change after PGS receipt. When stratified by risk, 7 out of 9 studies found high PGS was associated with favorable changes including lifestyle, medication, and screening. Low-risk PGS was not associated with maladaptive behaviors (n = 4).

CONCLUSION

PGS has the potential to benefit health behavior. High variability among studies emphasizes the need for developing standardized guidelines for communicating PGSs and evaluating psycho-behavioral outcomes. Our findings call for development of best communication practices and evidence-based interventions informed by behavior change theories.

Address: Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.; Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.; Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.; Color Health, Burlingame, CA.; Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Dermatology Department, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.; Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.09.008

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https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1098...

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https://assays.cancer.gov/non-CPTAC-3993

MeSH Terms: Humans, Health Behavior, Life Style, Communication