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Italian public's views on sharing genetic information and medical information : Findings from the 'Your DNA, Your Say' study

Romano, Virginia LU ; Milne, Richard and Mascalzoni, Deborah (2021) In Wellcome Open Research 6.
Abstract

Background: The collection and sharing of genomic and health data underpins global efforts to develop genomic medicine services. 'Your DNA, Your Say' is a cross-sectional survey with the goal of gathering lay public attitudes toward the access and sharing of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) information and medical information. It suggests significant international variation in the willingness to share information, and in trust in the actors associated with the collection and use of this information. This paper explores these questions in the Italian context. Methods: The Italian Your DNA, Your Say campaign led to the collection of 1229 valid questionnaires. The sample was analysed using standard descriptive statistics. We described the... (More)

Background: The collection and sharing of genomic and health data underpins global efforts to develop genomic medicine services. 'Your DNA, Your Say' is a cross-sectional survey with the goal of gathering lay public attitudes toward the access and sharing of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) information and medical information. It suggests significant international variation in the willingness to share information, and in trust in the actors associated with the collection and use of this information. This paper explores these questions in the Italian context. Methods: The Italian Your DNA, Your Say campaign led to the collection of 1229 valid questionnaires. The sample was analysed using standard descriptive statistics. We described the sample in terms of gender, age ranges and self-reported religiosity, and split the sample amongst the five typically studied Italian macro-areas to explore regional variation. We analysed the relationship between these factors and trust and willingness to share medical and DNA information. Results: The majority of the sample, across all socio-demographics, were willing to share DNA and health information with all entities considered except for-profit researchers. Respondents tended not to trust institutions beyond their own doctor. There was no difference between Italian regions. Conclusions: Despite the generally positive attitude towards sharing, we suggest that the lack of trust in non-profit researchers and the government needs to be better understood to inform public communication projects around genomics in the future and to enhance awareness of DNA and medical information in Italy.

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author
; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Biobanks, Bioethics, Data sharing, DNA sharing, Italy, Public attitudes
in
Wellcome Open Research
volume
6
article number
180
publisher
F1000 Research Ltd.
external identifiers
  • pmid:35233468
  • scopus:85125168576
ISSN
2398-502X
DOI
10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16909.1
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
13a65e87-8bc0-4134-93c8-8818e2caf728
date added to LUP
2022-04-13 17:12:21
date last changed
2024-04-09 08:28:31
@article{13a65e87-8bc0-4134-93c8-8818e2caf728,
  abstract     = {{<p>Background: The collection and sharing of genomic and health data underpins global efforts to develop genomic medicine services. 'Your DNA, Your Say' is a cross-sectional survey with the goal of gathering lay public attitudes toward the access and sharing of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) information and medical information. It suggests significant international variation in the willingness to share information, and in trust in the actors associated with the collection and use of this information. This paper explores these questions in the Italian context. Methods: The Italian Your DNA, Your Say campaign led to the collection of 1229 valid questionnaires. The sample was analysed using standard descriptive statistics. We described the sample in terms of gender, age ranges and self-reported religiosity, and split the sample amongst the five typically studied Italian macro-areas to explore regional variation. We analysed the relationship between these factors and trust and willingness to share medical and DNA information. Results: The majority of the sample, across all socio-demographics, were willing to share DNA and health information with all entities considered except for-profit researchers. Respondents tended not to trust institutions beyond their own doctor. There was no difference between Italian regions. Conclusions: Despite the generally positive attitude towards sharing, we suggest that the lack of trust in non-profit researchers and the government needs to be better understood to inform public communication projects around genomics in the future and to enhance awareness of DNA and medical information in Italy.</p>}},
  author       = {{Romano, Virginia and Milne, Richard and Mascalzoni, Deborah}},
  issn         = {{2398-502X}},
  keywords     = {{Biobanks; Bioethics; Data sharing; DNA sharing; Italy; Public attitudes}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  publisher    = {{F1000 Research Ltd.}},
  series       = {{Wellcome Open Research}},
  title        = {{Italian public's views on sharing genetic information and medical information : Findings from the 'Your DNA, Your Say' study}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16909.1}},
  doi          = {{10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16909.1}},
  volume       = {{6}},
  year         = {{2021}},
}