Barriers and facilitators to genetic testing amongst Black African women in the UK

Abstract Background Black African women have the lowest attendance of genetic testing services and the highest mortality rate of breast and ovarian cancer amongst women from ethnic minority groups in the UK. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to genetic testing to enable these women to make informed choices if found eligible. Methods A qualitative approach was used to explore the perceptions surrounding genetic testing amongst Twenty-four women aged 23-57 Black African women in Luton. Purposive sampling combined with snowballing sampling was used as a recruitment technique. Results The findings revealed that most of the participants had no awareness or knowledge of genetic testing and limited knowledge of their family medical history for eligibility to attend genetic testing services. Facilitators including family member's health, funding by the National Health services and accessibility and awareness and education on genetic testing were identified. Conclusions This study sought to explore the perceptions of Black African women on barriers and facilitators to genetic testing to enable researchers to implement efficient intervention that would increase genetic testing attendance whilst addressing the other barriers and facilitators to alter Black African's women health seeking behaviours. Key messages Identify barriers and facilitators to genetic testing amongst Black African women in the UK. This study highlights the need for further research into health seeking behaviour among Black women that could contribute to the low uptake of genetic testing.