Latinos interest in knowing and using genetic risk information about obsessive compulsive disorder

Abstract

There is limited research examining the perspectives on the use of genetic testing in psychiatric care among individuals of non-European ancestry. Adults with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) of Latin American ancestry (n = 1,513) completed a survey assessing their interest in receiving genetic testing for OCD, their level of comfort with disclosing this information, views on the use of genetic testing to inform reproductive decisions, and their concerns about stigma and discrimination. Most participants indicated they would be interested in learning their genetic liability for OCD; however, their level of comfort with sharing this information varied. Participants also reported high levels of mental health stigma and experiences with discrimination based on their OCD. Taken together, findings suggest there is interest among the Latino community to engage with genetic testing should it become available; however, there also are concerns that must be addressed to ensure responsible and ethical implementation in this population.