Acceptability and Feasibility of Genetic Testing to Assess Risk of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment among Thai Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

AbstractHost genetic factors may modify the risk of developing HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (HIV-NCI), and genetic research has the potential to inform novel treatments for HIV-NCI. However, there is a need to better understand the acceptability of genetic testing among distinct populations of people living with HIV at increased risk for HIV-NCI, such as young people living with perinatally-acquired HIV (PHIV) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to gauge the feasibility of genetic research within these populations. This pilot study evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of genetic testing to assess risk of future neurocognitive problems in fifty Thai adolescents and young adults (12-24 years; Mage=19.16; 52% female) with PHIV and demographically similar HIV-negative controls. Participants completed a survey assessing acceptability of and concerns about genetic testing and were asked to provide blood samples for genetic testing. Descriptive statistics and blood draw completion rates were produced and calculated. Reported concerns about genetic testing were grouped thematically and tallied. Independent t tests and chi-squares explored demographic differences between participants who reported concerns and peers. Results indicated 46 participants (92%) rated genetic testing as “acceptable” or “completely acceptable.” Eight participants (16%) reported concerns about genetic testing. The most common concerns were related to genetic information being shared or misused. Compared to peers, participants who reported concerns had more years of education and were more likely to have post-secondary schooling. Regarding completion rates, 49 participants (98%) agreed to genetic testing and provided blood samples. Overall, results support the acceptability and feasibility of incorporating genetic testing into research investigating HIV-NCI among adolescents and young adults in Thailand. Findings provide important considerations for planning future genetic studies among young people in Thailand and perhaps other LMICs.