All of Us Participant Perspectives on the Return of Value in Research

Genet Med. 2024 May 9:101163. doi: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101163. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Purpose: To understand participant preferences for receiving specific types of research information, whether information preferences vary across sociodemographic groups, and the types of health providers participants could access to understand returned information.

Methods: All of Us Research Program participants completed a value of returning research information survey. Stratified sampling was implemented to enhance participant diversity and avoid non-coverage. We used weighted multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations between the most valuable information types, access to providers, and sociodemographic variables.

Results: Participants (N=20,405) were diverse in their race/ethnicity (e.g., 52% were White, 18% were Hispanic/Latino or Spanish, 3% were Asian, and 20% were Black or African American). Most participants (78.6%) valued information about their risk of serious genetic diseases with available treatment. Primary care physicians, specialists, and genetic counselors were the top providers that participants could access for help understanding returned information. Information preferences and provider access varied across sociodemographic groups. For example, as income levels increased, the odds of placing value on genetic results indicating risk of serious disease with available treatment increased when compared to the lowest income levels (p-value<0.001).

Conclusion: Although genetic information was most valuable to participants, preferences about specific information types varied across sociodemographic groups.

Keywords: Engagement; Health Equity; Participant Perspectives; Precision Medicine; Return of Value.