Motivations for receiving the RiskProfile
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Strong interest in the genetics of smoking
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Broad interest in the genetic underpinnings of smoking and personal interest in individualized risk for developing smoking-related disorders
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“I guess how [smoking] related to my DNA, and if there was something [the RiskProfile] could tell me that I didn’t already know.”—Male, aged 60–69
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Information-seeking
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Wanted to gain specific information about smoking, such as how to quit, risk for smoking-related disorders (not a genetics-related interest), and why they smoke
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“I really wanted to know is it me being stupid and stubborn or is there something more to why it’s been so hard for me over all these years?”—Male, aged 40–49
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Perceived utility of the RiskProfile
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Informing and educating
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Found that the tool helped provide useful information about the risks of smoking as well as education about their own health and risk
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“It’s just helpful by putting it in your face, honestly. […] I know a lot of people, including myself, who can be in denial about how at risk you are and [the RiskProfile] puts it out there in front of you.”—Male, aged 20–29
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Motivating
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Noted that the tool was motivating for smoking cessation attempts and lifestyle changes
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“I think it could help people realize there is a reason that they’re craving cigarettes or nicotine. And have them be a little more serious about looking for […] extra added aids and quitting. Instead of just trying to […] quit cold turkey.—Female, aged 40–49
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Potential concerns about using the Risk Profile
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No concerns
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Noted that they did not have any concerns about using the tool
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“Do I have any concerns about it? No, I wholeheartedly agree with it.”—Male, aged 70–79
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Lack of utilization
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Potential for the tool to be under-utilized or not utilized at all for a variety of reasons
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“Getting the information and not following through with […] trying to stop”—Female, aged 60–69
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Privacy
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Fear of genetic information being misused by third parties, including 23andMe, insurance companies, and the government
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“My only fear is that [my genetic information] may get out to the public and insurance companies may use that against me.”—Male, aged 40–49
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Suggestions for improving the effectiveness of the RiskProfile
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Leave as-is
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Noted a preference for not revising the tool
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“No, I don’t know. I can’t think of anything.”—Male, aged 40–49
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Improve jargon, technical details, and layout
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Noted ways that the formatting and content of the tool could be enhanced
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“Dumbing it down a little bit so that you’re not talking about […] specific chromosomes, and gene markers, and stuff. I can’t follow that.”—Male, aged 20–29
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Improve impact and meaningfulness
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Centered around more personalized improvements that could be made to the tool
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“Well if there was a way to pinpoint which smoking cessation aid would be best for a specific person.”—Female, aged 60–69
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General positive feedback
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Offered in all domains about various aspects of the tool
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“I think everything I’ve seen so far is fantastic.”—Male, aged 20–29
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