Perceptions des diabétiques à l'égard du développement de la médecine prédictive

During the last few years, there has been an increase in the prevalence and the morbidity of complex diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. All of which weigh heavily on the health budget. At the same time, biotechnology advancements have favored the development of predictive medicine, based on genetic screening. Despite the significant scientific interest in prevention, screening still brings to light social, economic and ethical questions. So as to respond to these questions, the idea of public participation has been put forward by many, despite the lack of sufficient analysis of people's perceptions of predictive medicine. Therefore, the objective of this study is to learn more about the opinion of diabetic people on this topic. Diabetes is one of the complex diseases which are largely researched in Quebec. Eighteen semi-directed interviews were undertaken with diabetic people in Quebec, Canada, with the aim of understanding their perception of predictive medicine. It was found that diabetic people have a very good perception of predictive medicine and they hope that it favors prevention. However, because of their diabetic illness, some participants expressed doubts about genetic screening whilst others had reservations concerning the implications of environmental factors and the inherent difficulties of lifestyle changes. Our research also brought to light the preoccupations of the participants concerning the commercial activities of pharmaceutical firms promoting their products after screening. Discrimination or confidentiality issues did not however appear to be a major preoccupation.