Perceptions to Genetic Technologies from Cardiovascular Disease-predisposed Asian-Americans

Across available literature, there exists a minimal understanding of understudied ethnic groups and their interactions with genetic technologies. In particular, few studies exist examining Asian-Americans– specifically, those with a predisposition to cardiovascular disease– and their perceptions towards genetic services as a whole. Understanding the experiences of these individuals is key to further tailoring precision health services, and encouraging the collection of diverse genomic data across at-risk populations. A structured, mixed-methods questionnaire was sent to East, Southeast, and South Asian-American respondents with a self-reported history of cardiovascular disease. 55 individual responses were collected, and analyzed in the context of self-reported characteristics and cultural subgroup themes. Across the Asian-American subgroups analyzed, individual location and proximity emerged as a novel theme in accessing genetic technologies. Additionally, numerous participants reported hesitancy towards utilizing these services. Amongst other notable themes, language barriers, cost, and cultural-familial influence persisted as hindrances in one’s decision to pursue genetic utility. Despite this, interest among responders for genetic-based treatment or prevention for cardiovascular disease was substantial. Through the identification of potential areas for guided, genetic outreach in Asian-Americans, these results suggest a greater need for incentivizing targeted genetic implementation strategies in minority communities, and include recommendations for future studies in the context of Asian-Americans and cardiovascular health.