Kate Amos

Senior Project Advisor

Sean Bruna

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2022

Keywords

Direct-to-consumer genetic tests, students, perceptions

Abstract

This study is based on a classroom-use only pilot survey of college student perceptions of direct-to-consumer genetic tests. These tests can provide information about an individual’s genealogy and ancestry, as well as their medical genetic profile and genetic risk factors. The survey was designed for ease-of-use using Qualtrics (Qualtrics 2022) and distributed using anonymous links and a QR code. A total of forty complete responses were recorded during the twenty-two days the survey remained open, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Respondents were mainly in their late teens to early twenties, just over half identified as female, and almost three-quarters identified as white. Most students reported receiving the tests as gifts and using them to learn about genealogy and ancestry or for fun. A large portion also responded that they had previously thought about genetic privacy. Ultimately, the trends revealed by the survey created a wide variety of pathways for future research to gain more insight into how college students approach using direct-to-consumer genetic tests.

Department

Anthropology

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Human chromosome abnormalities--Diagnosis

Genre/Form

demographics

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

Download

Included in

Anthropology Commons

Share

COinS