Effect of genetic explanations of type 2 diabetes on attitudes to treatment efficacy

Current thinking suggests that type 2 diabetes is caused by a complex interplay of genetic and lifestyle factors. However, the impact of explaining disease aetiology as either genetic or environmental is relatively unexplored for conditions that are considered to be multifactorial. Using a between-participants experimental survey design, the present authors investigated the effect of explaining the aetiology of type 2 diabetes as either genetic or environmental on participants' attitudes towards treatment efficacy. A total of 200 participants aged ≥40 years were recruited from a GP surgery. There was a significant interaction effect between perceived aetiology and family history of type 2 diabetes on attitude to treatment, indicating that only participants with a family history perceived treatment as less effective (P<0.05). Being aware of the impact of genetic attributions in the communication of aetiology is essential if healthcare professionals are to encourage adherence to treatment and advice.