Original Paper

The Diffusion of Innovation: Factors Influencing the Uptake of Pharmacogenetics
Louise Fuks Nielsen, Claus Moldrup

INSEAD, Social Pharmacy, Copenhagen, Denmark

Address of Corresponding Author

Community Genet 2007;10:231-241 (DOI: 10.1159/000106562)

  Key Words

• Pharmacogenomics
• Pharmacogenetics
• Lay perspective
• Medical care, individualized

  Abstract

Background: Inspired by diffusion research, this paper examines how perceived need, health status, experiences with medicine and testing, consumption of mass media and sociodemography influence the public's familiarity, knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding pharmacogenetics. The objective is to identify factors affecting the adoption pattern of pharmacogenetics in the public. Method: The paper is based on an Internet-based questionnaire survey conducted in March 2005. A total of 3,000 representative Danes aged 18-70 years were included in the survey, representing a response rate of 58.9%. Results/Conclusion: Knowledge of pharmacogenetics, and thus the diffusion of the technology, is influenced by medicine consumption, experienced lack of effect and side effects, use of medical testing and perception of societal need. Increased knowledge is seen in all cases. The general perception of and attitude to pharmacogenetics is related to prior use of medical tests and perception of societal need for pharmacogenetics, which in both cases indicates an increased positive approach.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Claus Moldrup, PhD
INSEAD, Social Pharmacy
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Universitetsparken 2
DK-2100 Copenhagen (Denmark)
Tel. +45 35 30 6452, Fax +45 35 30 6050, E-Mail cm@dfuni.dk

  Article Information

Number of Print Pages : 11
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 25