Personal utility of genomic results: Application and validation of the PrU scale to the Australian context

The Personal Utility Scale (PrU) was developed in the United States to measure the usefulness of genomic results across self-knowledge, reproductive planning and practical benefits. We aimed to evaluate and validate the model with data from an Australian context. Participants (N = 1526) from a population-based genomic screening study (DNA Screen) completed a survey including the PrU at two time points following receipt of genomic results. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess model fit and evaluated reliability and validity through internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and correlations with related and distinct constructs. A three-factor oblique CFA model demonstrated acceptable fit of our previously reported factor structure (RMSEA = 0.09; CFI = 0.93; TLI = 0.92), with factor loadings ranging from 0.66-0.84 (self-knowledge), 0.68-0.84 (practical benefits), and 0.81-0.87 (reproductive planning). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α = 0.92; CI: 0.91-0.93). The FACToR positive feelings subscale was negatively correlated with the PrU overall score (r = -0.45, p < 0.001), consistent with theoretical expectations. Minimal correlation with K10 scores (r = -0.06, p = 0.07) supported discriminant validity. Our personal utility model demonstrated strong performance in an Australian sample. We validated the proposed three-factor structure, indicating the model reliably captures distinct dimensions of personal utility. As genomics becomes integrated into population screening, understanding how individuals value and use their results is essential. Our findings support the use of the PrU scale in the United States and Australia, contributing to ongoing efforts to evaluate the impact of genomic information in population screening programs and suggesting promise for use in other countries.