Effect of presentation formats for direct-to-consumer genetic testing results: A web-based experimental study in South Korea.

[OBJECTIVES] Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) provides individuals with genetic risk information in various formats without the involvement of healthcare professionals. However, few studies have examined how these formats may lead to misinterpretation. This study aims to examine whether the presentation format of DTC-GT results influence consumers' risk perception and behavioral intentions.

[METHODS] A total of 720 South Korean adults participated in an online-based experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four formats: a score with a line graph (score), relative risk with a line graph (RR), absolute risk difference with a line graph (line ARD), or with icon arrays (icon ARD). They were shown risk results for four diseases (blood glucose, blood pressure, insomnia, and lung cancer) in a random order, with the risk level manipulated to be either high or low. Participants rated their perceived risk of developing these diseases, behavioral intentions, and intention to consult a physician.

[RESULTS] In the high-risk condition, participants shown the score group reported the highest perceived risk, while those in the icon ARD group reported the lowest. In the low-risk condition, this pattern reversed. A similar pattern appeared for behavioral intentions in the high-risk condition, but no format effects in the low-risk condition. Over half of the participants reported they would like to consult a physician.

[CONCLUSIONS] Different presentation formats influenced participants' perceived risk of developing diseases and their intentions to engage in behavioral changes despite their equivalent risk information.

[PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS] Governments and regulatory bodies should develop standardized guidelines for DTC-GT manufacturers on the design and presentation of information formats. Health professionals should also be prepared to discuss DTC-GT results with their patients and the general public, who need to be equipped with basic statistical literacy through appropriate education and training.