Demand for Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Services in China and Its Implications for Precision Public Health — China, 2021

INTRODUCTION: In China, the direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) industry has been undergoing exponential growth during the past few years. This study intends to assess characteristics of DTC-GT users in China, estimate the price elasticity of demand, quantify monetary values of DTC-GT features, and discuss its implications to the development of precision public health. METHODS: A total of 629 participants with an average age of 28.8 years were collected from an online survey conducted in November 2021. A discrete choice experiment and a mixed logit modelling approach were used to elucidate consumer preferences to DTC-GT services and evaluate monetary values of certain features. RESULTS: DTC-GT users were found to have a higher level of income on average. The price elasticity of DTC-GT services was estimated to be −0.72 (95% CI −0.73 to −0.70). The willingness-to-pay for genetic testing features of physical traits, personality, and dietary recommendation were estimated to be 90, 107, and 220 CNY, respectively. DISCUSSION: The nature of big genomic data makes DTC-GT have the potential to aid in the advancement of precision public health through more precise disease prevention and control strategies. The study also notes the need for addressing potential drawbacks of DTC-GT and protecting genetic privacy.