Abstract
A convenience sample of 181 college students took part in a quasi-experimental study that tested the use of genetic screening for alcoholism—a test that does not yet exist. A questionnaire was administered before and after the students viewed a presentation that accurately explained genetic susceptibility to alcoholism but misled them by offering “a newly available” test. Alcohol-related variables were assessed before the presentation. Test-seeking intention and reasons for and against testing were assessed after the presentation. Regression analysis found that being Caucasian, female, and somewhat older than traditional college age, and having a history of early drunkenness were significant predictors of testing intention. During the week following data collection, only 7 participants (4%) attempted to schedule a test. Implications of these findings and the ethical issues related to predictive screening for alcoholism in the college population are discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 103-112 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Journal of the American College Health Association |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 1998 |
Keywords
- Alcoholism
- Genetic testing
- Screening