LAUSR

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to identify which consumer characteristics influence their intention to use direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT). Methods This study conducted a survey to obtain data pertaining to consumer characteristics and their intention to use DTC-GT and then analyzed the survey results econometrically. The consumer survey was conducted in August 2016 and included 2400 respondents residing in Korea, aged 20 to 59. This study used a binary probit model to investigate how consumer characteristics affect the intention to use DTC-GT. Results Respondents with knowledge of DTC-GT, a higher level of education, greater interest in healthcare management, greater familiarity with new technology, a higher income level, and a younger age exhibited greater intention to use DTC-GT. Marital status and gender were not determinants of intention to use DTC-GT. Conclusions Consumer characteristics are important factors affecting DTC-GT adoption; however, the effects differ depending on the characteristics.