Attitudes Toward Breast Cancer Genetic Testing in Five Special Population Groups

Purpose: This study examined interest in and attitudes toward genetic testing in 5 different population groups. Methods: The survey included African American, Asian American, Latina, Native American, and Appalachian women with varying familial histories of breast cancer. A total of 49 women were interviewed in person. Descriptive and nonparametric statistical techniques were used to assess ethnic group differences. Results: Overall, interest in testing was high. All groups endorsed more benefits than risks. There were group differences regarding endorsement of specific benefits and risks: testing to “follow doctor recommendations” (p=0.017), “concern for effects on family” (p=0.044), “distrust of modern medicine” (p=0.036), “cost” (p=0.025), and “concerns about communication of results to others” (p=0.032). There was a significant inverse relationship between interest and genetic testing cost (p Conclusion: Cost may be an important barrier to obtaining genetic testing services, and participants would benefit by genetic counseling that incorporates the unique cultural values and beliefs of each group to create an individualized, culturally competent program. Further research about attitudes toward genetic testing is needed among Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Appalachians for whom data are severely lacking. Future study of the different Latina perceptions toward genetic testing are encouraged

Essentially yours: the protection of human genetic information in Australia

ALRC Report 96 (tabled May 2003)  was the product of a two-year inquiry by the ALRC and the Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC) of the NHMRC, involving extensive research and widespread public consultation.The inquiry was the most comprehensive ever undertaken into these issues in Australia or overseas. The report covers an extensive range of activities in which genetic information plays—or soon will play—an important role. The two-volume, 1200 page report makes 144 recommendations about how Australia should deal with the ethical, legal and social implications of the New Genetics. This Report reflects the law as at 14 March 2003

Outlook Magazine, Autumn 2018

https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/outlook/1205/thumbnail.jp

The Effects of a Sickle Cell Disease Education Intervention Among College Students

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 100,000 Americans have SCD, and more than 2 million Americans have a sickle cell trait (SCT). People with SCD are more likely than others to suffer premature mortality. Genetic screening is an important step in improving quality of life and increasing longevity for those with SCD. Early detection may lead to effective management of the disease and reduction of complicating factors. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to determine whether health education about SCD would impact college students\u27 knowledge, attitudes, perceived risk, and intention to seek genetic screening and counseling in relation to the disease. The theoretical foundation for this study was the health belief model (HBM). This study involved 80 college students selected from a North Texas college. These students completed pre and post versions of an SCD questionnaire. Independent samples t tests were used to determine if there were significant differences in pre- and posttest scores of participants in both groups, and a MANOVA was used to determine differences among the scores of participants in the experimental group when grouped by age, gender, race, religiosity, and socioeconomic status. The results of this study showed that SCD health education improved the knowledge of and attitudes towards participants. Future research could explore barriers to seeking SCD screening and genetic counseling. Results of this study may further social change by encouraging the development of college-based health education efforts to increase awareness about SCD