Knowledge, Interest and Recommendations for Receipt of Polygenetic Risk Scores Among Adults Who Smoked Long-Term: A Descriptive Qualitative Analysis

Objective: Researchers strive to develop more precise prediction models to understand smoking behaviors, facilitate tailored tobacco treatment and improve early detection of lung cancer, including the use of polygenic risk scores (PRS). This study aimed to better understand participants' knowledge, interest and recommendations for receipt of PRS information. Its specific aims were to (1) describe participants' knowledge and interest in obtaining PRS in the context of smoking behaviors, tobacco treatment and/or early detection of lung cancer and (2) identify patient-reported recommendations for incorporating genetic risk information into clinical care. Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach was used to gather data. A one-time semi-structured interview was conducted at the conclusion of a lung health intervention among individuals who smoked long-term and were eligible for lung cancer screening. Sociodemographic, tobacco, alcohol, and comorbidity data were gathered through an electronic survey. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's methods for thematic analysis. Results: Forty-six participants were interviewed. The themes for aim 1 included: (1) knowing about PRS and (2) wanting PRS to prevent and treat tobacco addiction. The themes for aim 2 included: (1) receiving information from health professionals and (2) considering the risks of learning PRS. Conclusions: Results indicate high interest in PRS in clinical settings to help people who smoke to understand their health habits and change behaviors. The need for appropriate framing of risk messages and shared decision making emerged in the interviews. Trial Registration: NCT0469129T.