Preferences of the French Population Regarding Access to Genetic Information: A Discrete Choice Experiment

Abstract

[eng] This study analyses the preferences of the French population with regard to the genetic information that is potentially accessible thanks to genomic medicine. More specifically, it is a question of knowing whether or not the French population (i) is in favour of knowing all possible results with regard to genetic predispositions; (ii) has preferences with regard to the person or the method that would decide upon the list of accessible results; (iii) is in favour of researchers having access to patients’ genetic data. This study makes use of the discrete choice method, with an online survey, conducted in France with a representative sample of 2,501 respondents. The choice data were analyzed in a mixed logit model, to explore the variability of preferences. The results show a preference for autonomy in choosing the information communicated, to access the most comprehensive genetic results possible and for a contribution to research through the provision of genetic data.