Predictors of correct recall of genetic risk information among Hispanic individuals in Florida and Puerto Rico

Objective: To identify predictors of genetic risk recall and examine whether recall influences adoption of skin cancer preventive behaviors among Hispanic individuals.

Methods: Hispanic participants randomized to intervention arms (n = 463) of a precision prevention trial were provided MC1R risk information (average, higher) and asked to recall their risk after 3 and 9 months. Predictors of recall (correct versus did not recall/misremembered) were determined by backwards stepwise logistic regression. Intervention effects on preventive behaviors were estimated within strata of 3-month recall.

Results: Age inversely predicted correct recall in both risk groups (average: OR_3-months(3)= 0.97, 95%CI:0.94-1.01, OR_9-months(9)= 0.96, 95%CI:0.93-0.99; higher: OR₃ = 0.98, 95%CI:0.95-1.01, OR₉ = 0.98, 95%CI:0.95-1.00). Education positively predicted recall among participants at average risk (OR₃ =1.64, 95%CI:1.06-2.63, OR₉ =1.73, 95%CI:1.12-2.81). Darker untanned skin color inversely predicted recall among participants at higher risk (OR₃ =0.68, 95%CI:0.45-0.99, OR₉ =0.74, 95%CI:0.50-1.09). Intervention effects for routine sunscreen use and undergoing a clinical skin exam were stronger among participants at higher risk who correctly recalled at 3 months than those who did not recall/misremembered.

Conclusions: Younger age, higher education, and lighter untanned skin color predicted correct recall. Better recall may improve skin cancer prevention outcomes.

Practice implications: Additional strategies are needed to boost recall among Hispanic individuals who are older, less educated, and darker-skinned.