MUNCIE, Ind. -- When it comes to genetic testing, consumers don't want insurance companies to have the last say about health coverage, says a Ball State University study.

A survey of 662 Hoosiers found that the majority are afraid insurance companies could use genetic information to deny health or life insurance to individuals or whole families.

The survey was compiled and analyzed by Shaheen Borna, a marketing professor, and Steve Avila, a finance professor.

"Information pertaining to an individual's genetic make-up is of great interest to many parties, especially to insurance companies," Borna said. "Consumer groups are afraid that certain people will be excluded or an individual with an indicator trait may also be subject to a significant adverse premium,  long before the appearance of any eventual symptom."

The molecular structure of DNA was first identified in 1961. Research suggests the possibility of identifying patterns of genes that raise a person's susceptibility to heart attacks, juvenile diabetes and certain rare cancers.

The survey found that the majority of respondents are against:

• genetic testing for underwriting purposes (75 percent)  allowing insurance companies to reject an application  on the basis of genetic information (85 percent)

• charging higher premiums on the basis of genetic testing (78 percent).

• individuals with defective genes being responsible for higher premiums (74 percent).

• new taxes to cover the higher costs associated with having defective genes (41 percent).

Avila said the survey found conflicting information on the use of genetic testing for underwriting purposes, and higher premiums and an increase in taxes to cover the health care costs of people with suspect genes.

Conflicting opinions indicate little public understanding of difficult issues such as the limits of individual rights in a free market system, and economic and social consequences of shifting the burden from one group to another, he said.

"Educating consumers on these and other related issues should contribute to a better understanding of the potential benefits and limits of genetic testing," Avila said. "Education and public policy issues regarding genetic testing and how health care can be best managed and financed will continue to be an important challenge into the next century."