Marteau T M
Psychology and Genetics Research Group, King's College, London, UK.
Br Med Bull. 1999;55(2):414-28. doi: 10.1258/0007142991902466.
It is envisaged that genetic information will be used, together with other types of information, to assess individuals' risks of developing a variety of common conditions. Such risk assessments will involve providing probabilistic information partly based upon results of genetic tests in order to facilitate behaviour change without causing excessive anxiety. The behaviours targeted for change are likely to include adherence to prescribed medication, alteration to diet, increasing levels of exercise and quitting smoking. This paper reviews research already conducted on perceptions of risk and genes, methods of facilitating behaviour change and reducing anxiety following various types of risk assessment. Although risk assessment and interventions to reduce risks have been conducted for over 20 years, very little rigorous research exists. For the investments in the new genetics to be realised, research is now needed both in how individuals respond to risk information that involves the use of genetic information and in how to facilitate and maintain behaviour change to reduce such risks.
据设想，基因信息将与其他类型的信息一起用于评估个体患各种常见疾病的风险。此类风险评估将涉及提供部分基于基因检测结果的概率性信息，以便在不引起过度焦虑的情况下促进行为改变。旨在改变的行为可能包括坚持按规定服药、改变饮食、增加运动量和戒烟。本文回顾了已开展的关于风险和基因认知、促进行为改变以及在进行各类风险评估后减轻焦虑的方法的研究。尽管风险评估和降低风险的干预措施已经实施了20多年，但严谨的研究却很少。为了实现对新遗传学的投资，现在需要开展研究，一方面研究个体如何应对涉及使用基因信息的风险信息，另一方面研究如何促进和维持行为改变以降低此类风险。
