Returning complex genetic risk information to promote better health-related behaviors: a commentary of the literature and suggested next steps.

The basis of precision medicine is to use an individual's personal genetic information, such as a polygenic risk score, along with lifestyle information and personal medical history, to promote better health outcomes. The utility of polygenic risk scores relies on the assumption that receiving complex genetic feedback will motivate changes in behavior that reduces one's risk for developing a medical condition. To date, there is no consistent or strong evidence that receiving complex genetic risk information, such as polygenic risk scores, influences behavior change. However, the literature on how to effectively deliver polygenic risk scores is small. Prior studies assessing the impact of receiving complex genetic risk information have several limitations that may impact the failure to find that individuals take action or change health behaviors after receiving genetic feedback. One way to address these limitations is to incorporate theories of behavior change, such as the Health Belief Model, into the way in which genetic risk information is returned. Designing intervention programs grounded in theories of behavior change and developing testable hypotheses related to theoretical mechanisms of change are important next steps.