Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec>
<jats:title>Background</jats:title>
<jats:p>The use of genetically-informed personalized risk information for behavioral disorders, namely smoking and smoking-related behaviors, is a promising yet understudied area. The Genetics and Smoking Risk Profile, or <jats:italic>RiskProfile</jats:italic>, leverages genetic and environmental information to communicate one’s risk for smoking-related diseases. Although prior studies have examined attitudes toward genetic results, little research has investigated these perceptions through a lens of in-vivo testing; that is, user-centered design feedback in response to personalized genetic results being returned contemporaneously. This qualitative study engaged current smokers in usability testing of the <jats:italic>RiskProfile</jats:italic> within the context of concurrently receiving this personalized, genetically-informed smoking cessation intervention.</jats:p>
</jats:sec><jats:sec>
<jats:title>Methods</jats:title>
<jats:p>Eighty-nine participants who were current smokers responded to open-ended interview questions on perceptions of smoking-related genetic information and the content and format of the <jats:italic>RiskProfile</jats:italic> intervention that they had received moments before. Data were analyzed via the conventional content analysis approach in which themes were allowed to emerge throughout the analysis.</jats:p>
</jats:sec><jats:sec>
<jats:title>Results</jats:title>
<jats:p>Participants were able to reference and offer design input on specific elements of the <jats:italic>RiskProfile</jats:italic>. Overall, current smokers perceived the <jats:italic>RiskProfile</jats:italic> to have high potential utility. Constructive feedback that current smokers offered about the tool centered around suggested improvements to optimize its usability and technical content.</jats:p>
</jats:sec><jats:sec>
<jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title>
<jats:p>The detailed and constructive feedback from participants highlights that in-vivo feedback offers a useful design approach that addresses concerns of rigor and relevance when returning genetic results. This unique method demonstrated perceived utility and constructive design feedback for the <jats:italic>RiskProfile</jats:italic> among current smokers and can play an important role in optimizing the design and implementation of personalized genetic risk interventions moving forward.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>