Factors affecting frequency of communication about family health history with family members and doctors in a medically underserved population

Usability, Engagement, and Report Usefulness of Chatbot-Based Family Health History Data Collection: Mixed Methods Analysis

BACKGROUND

Family health history (FHx) is an important predictor of a person's genetic risk but is not collected by many adults in the United States.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to test and compare the usability, engagement, and report usefulness of 2 web-based methods to collect FHx.

METHODS

This mixed methods study compared FHx data collection using a flow-based chatbot (KIT; the curious interactive test) and a form-based method. KIT's design was optimized to reduce user burden. We recruited and randomized individuals from 2 crowdsourced platforms to 1 of the 2 FHx methods. All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire to assess the method's usability, the usefulness of a report summarizing their experience, user-desired chatbot enhancements, and general user experience. Engagement was studied using log data collected by the methods. We used qualitative findings from analyzing free-text comments to supplement the primary quantitative results.

RESULTS

Participants randomized to KIT reported higher usability than those randomized to the form, with a mean System Usability Scale score of 80.2 versus 61.9 (P<.001), respectively. The engagement analysis reflected design differences in the onboarding process. KIT users spent less time entering FHx information and reported more conditions than form users (mean 5.90 vs 7.97 min; P=.04; and mean 7.8 vs 10.1 conditions; P=.04). Both KIT and form users somewhat agreed that the report was useful (Likert scale ratings of 4.08 and 4.29, respectively). Among desired enhancements, personalization was the highest-rated feature (188/205, 91.7% rated medium- to high-priority). Qualitative analyses revealed positive and negative characteristics of both KIT and the form-based method. Among respondents randomized to KIT, most indicated it was easy to use and navigate and that they could respond to and understand user prompts. Negative comments addressed KIT's personality, conversational pace, and ability to manage errors. For KIT and form respondents, qualitative results revealed common themes, including a desire for more information about conditions and a mutual appreciation for the multiple-choice button response format. Respondents also said they wanted to report health information beyond KIT's prompts (eg, personal health history) and for KIT to provide more personalized responses.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that KIT provided a usable way to collect FHx. We also identified design considerations to improve chatbot-based FHx data collection: First, the final report summarizing the FHx collection experience should be enhanced to provide more value for patients. Second, the onboarding chatbot prompt may impact data quality and should be carefully considered. Finally, we highlighted several areas that could be improved by moving from a flow-based chatbot to a large language model implementation strategy.

Women's preferences for genetic screening in routine care: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

Examine decision-making regarding when women would prefer to receive reproductive carrier and cancer predisposition screening and from what clinician.

METHODS

20 women completed in-depth interviews via Zoom exploring their views on the provision of reproductive carrier and cancer predisposition screening. Our analysis identified themes related to what informs women's preferences for when they would like to receive a genetic screening offer and by which clinician.

RESULTS

Participants' responses to questions about when they would be interested in receiving genetic screening were best understood through the lens of the Extended Parallel Process Model. Specifically, personal utility of the information, a woman's family health history and cost were key factors in decision-making. Women considered their clinician's knowledge and their trust in and relationship with the clinician when deciding from whom they would prefer to receive an offer of genetic screening.

CONCLUSION

OB/GYN clinic patients may accept an offer of genetic screening from a knowledgeable and trusted clinician for carrier and cancer predisposition screening preconceptionally or prenatally.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Integrating genetic reproductive and cancer predisposition screening into the care provided to reproductive age OB/GYN patients may be acceptable to this population.

The Burden of Chronic Diseases with the Status of Family Medical History Among Older Adults in India

This study aims to assess and compare the prevalence of chronic diseases by the first-degree Family Medical History (FMH) and also explores the relationship between FMH and selected Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among older adults in India. The present study collated secondary data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, 2017-18). The eligible respondents for the analysis of this study were aged 45 years and above, where the final study sample consisted of 65,562 older adults across all Indian states and union territories. The LASI dataset collected responses on self-reported diseases: Hypertension, Stroke, Heart disease, Cancer, and Diabetes. These diseases have a high prevalence among the population and are considered in the present study. Along with disease status, respondents' first-degree relatives FMH were used to fulfil the objective. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple logistic regression techniques were used to accomplish the objectives analysis. This approach was chosen due to the binary nature of our primary dependent variables. The study found that the prevalence of selected NCDs was considerably higher among older adults with FMH than those without FMH. It revealed that NCDs and the status of FMH of parents and siblings were significantly associated. Based on the multivariate-adjusted model, we found significantly higher odds for developing the NCDs when the respondents have FMH among at least one of the first-degree relative. The likelihood among those with FMH of having hypertension (AOR: 2.058), diabetes (AOR: 2.94), heart diseases (AOR: 2.39), stroke (AOR: 1.62) and cancer (AOR: 2.32) was higher compared to no FMH of respective diseases. Similarly, significant associations were observed according to the different stratification of the number of first-degree relatives FMH. The present study demonstrated that first-degree relatives FMH is indeed a dominant associated risk factor for chronic disease among the older adults of India. This study supports the promotion of a disease history tool for chronic disease prevention and early detection approaches as a valuable measure of NCD risk. Public health practitioners can take several steps to access FMH and incorporate FMH into public health programs for the screening of the risk population.

Study protocol: Exploring the use of Family Health Histories in the African American community to reduce health disparities in Flint, Michigan

Background Health disparities are costly and preventable differences in disease progression that disproportionately affect minority communities such as African Americans. Practices to reduce health disparities can be rooted in prevention, particularly through screening tools. Family Health History tools are preventative screening mechanisms meant to explore family history to better understand how an individual's health can potentially be predicted or impacted. These tools are underutilized in the African American community. Contributions to this underutilization include a lack of cultural tailoring in the tools, a lack of health literacy in community members, and a lack of effective health communication. The Family Health History Study will create a culturally appropriate Family Health History toolkit to increase family health history utilization and ultimately decrease health disparities. Methods The proposed sample will be composed of 195 African American adults ages 18 + who live in Genesee County, Michigan. The study consists of two phases: the development phase and the randomized pilot study phase. The goal of the development phase (n = 95) is to explore how Family Health History toolkits can be modified to better serve the African American community using a community based participatory research approach and to create a culturally tailored family health history toolkit. In the pilot study phase, 100 participants will be randomized to the culturally tailored toolkit or the current standard Family Health History toolkit. Outcomes will include feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Discussion This study will result in a culturally appropriate Family Health History tool that is co-developed with community members that can be utilized by African American adults to better understand their family health histories. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05358964 Date: May 5, 2022.

Interest in Cancer Predisposition Testing and Carrier Screening Offered as Part of Routine Healthcare Among an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Young Women

Sequencing technologies can inform individuals’ risks for multiple conditions, supporting population-level screening approaches. Prior research examining interest in genetic testing has not generally examined the context of population-based approaches offered in routine healthcare or among ethnically diverse populations. Cancer predisposition testing and carrier screening could be offered broadly to women of reproductive age. This study therefore examined interest in these tests when offered as part of routine care, and predictors of interest, among an ethnically diverse sample of women aged 20–35. We conducted an online English-language survey of 450 women; 39% identified as Latina. We examined predictors of interest for two outcomes, interest in testing in the next year and level of interest, in multivariable logistic regression models and stratified analyses by Latina ethnicity. More than half of respondents reported being interested in cancer predisposition testing (55%) and carrier screening (56%) in the next year; this did not differ by ethnicity. About 26% reported being very interested in cancer predisposition testing and 27% in carrier screening. Latina respondents (32%) were more likely to be very interested in cancer predisposition testing than non-Latina respondents (22%; p < 0.03). In multivariable models, having higher worry about genetic risks, higher genetic knowledge, and higher perceived importance of genetic information were associated with higher interest across multiple models. Predictors of interest were generally similar by ethnicity. Our findings show substantial interest in both cancer predisposition testing and carrier screening among young women as part of routine healthcare with similar interest between Latina and non-Latina women. Efforts to broadly offer such testing could be important in improving access to genetic information. It will be critical to develop tools to help healthcare providers communicate about genetic testing and to address the needs of those who have less prior knowledge about genetics to support informed decision making.

Factors Influencing Family Health History Collection among Young Adults: A Structural Equation Modeling

Family health history (FHH) can serve as an entry point for preventive medicine by providing risk estimations for many common health conditions. College is a critical time for young adults to begin to understand the value of FHH collection, and to establish healthy behaviors to prevent FHH-related diseases. This study seeks to develop an integrated theoretical framework to examine FHH collection behavior and associated factors among college students. A sample of 2670 college students with an average age of 21.1 years completed a web-based survey. Less than half (49.8%) reported actively seeking FHH information from their family members. Respondents’ knowledge about FHH were generally low. Structural equation modeling findings suggested an adequate model fit between our survey data and the proposed integrated theoretical framework. Respondents who were members of racial/ethnic minority groups exhibited higher levels of anxiety and intention to obtain FHH information but had lower confidence in their ability to gather FHH information than non-Hispanic White respondents. Therefore, educational programs designed to enhance the level of young adults’ FHH knowledge, efficacy, and behavior in FHH collection, and change subjective norms are critically needed in the future, especially for these who are members of racial/ethnic minority groups.

Family Attitudes and Communication about Sun Protection and Sun Protection Practices among Young Adult Melanoma Survivors and Their Family Members

Young melanoma survivors and their family are at increased risk for developing melanoma, but seldom engage in sun protection behaviors. Little is known about the role of family factors in sun protection. Our goals were: 1) examine correspondence between survivors and family sun protection, individual attitudes, and family attitudes and communication about risk-reducing behaviors, and; 2) evaluate the mediating role of family attitudes and communication in the association between individual sun protection attitudes and behavior. Measures of individual attitudes, family attitudes and communication, and sun protection behaviors were completed by 529 participants. Multilevel modeling assessed family correspondence in sun-related attitudes and behaviors and mediation. Families had varying levels of shared attitudes and behaviors, with higher correspondence for family norms. Survivors reported stronger family norms, greater family benefits, and more discussion than siblings. For both sexes, family discussion was associated with higher sun protection. For women only, more favorable attitudes were associated with sun protection partly because women discussed sun protection with family and held stronger norms. Because families' attitudes and practices correspond, family-focused interventions may prove effective. Among females, increasing risk awareness and sunscreen efficacy and overcoming barriers may foster enhanced normative standards, communication about, and engagement in sun protection.

The Critical Need to Recognize That Families Matter for Adult Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature

A systemic approach to researching families and health should capture the complex network within which family members are embedded, including multiple family relationships and larger systems of health care. However, much of the families and health research focused on adult family members has focused solely on intimate partnerships, usually the marital relationship. This neglects the remainder of the powerfully influencing family relationships adults retain, and may increasingly focus on as they age. We conducted a systematic review of the families and adult health literature, retaining 72 articles which were subsequently thematically coded to highlight main foci of this area of research. Results highlight six themes, which include family relationship quality, family composition, behavioral factors in health and health care, psychophysiological mediators, caregiving, and aging health. Findings support an underrepresentation of family members, other than the intimate partner, in research on adult health.

Prevalence and Correlates of Family Cancer History Knowledge and Communication Among US Adults

Introduction

Knowing one’s family cancer history (FCH) plays an important role in cancer prevention. Communicating health histories with relatives can increase awareness about familial cancer risk and aid health care providers in personalizing cancer prevention recommendations.

Methods

This study used data from the National Cancer Institute’s 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey. We calculated frequencies and weighted population estimates for key FCH communication variables. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated associations between sociodemographic characteristics and FCH communication.

Results

Findings provide the first nationally representative estimates of FCH communication. Less than one-third (31.1%) of the population reported knowing FCH very well, 70.0% had discussed FCH with at least 1 biological relative, 39.0% had discussed FCH with a health care provider, and 22.2% reported being completely confident in completing FCH on medical forms. Findings also identified key demographic factors, including sex, household income, education level, and race and ethnicity, associated with these FCH measures among the US adult population.

Conclusion

Results can be used to target and tailor FCH communication interventions for patients, families, and providers.

African-Americans Are Less Frequently Assessed For Hereditary Colon Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in the United States and disproportionately affects African-Americans. Approximately 5-10% of CRC results from hereditary cancer syndromes. A detailed family history is recommended as an initial component of cancer risk assessment to help determine initiation, frequency, screening method and genetic counselling referral. This study evaluated the rate of hereditary CRC risk assessment in African-American and white patients.

METHODS

A chart review of all patients referred for CRC screening in a university gastroenterology clinic during a 3 month period was performed. Patient self-described race/ethnicity, gender, age, documentation of multi-generational family medical history (3+ generations) were obtained. Amsterdam II Criteria, Bethesda Criteria and Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool were used to determine which patients with family histories should receive referrals for genetic counselling. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's Exact Test with significance set at p < 0.05. The study was IRB approved.

RESULTS

872 medical records were reviewed, including 452 African-American (276 females, 176 males; mean age 60.2), 263 White (123 females, 140 males; mean age 59.4), 45 Hispanic, and 42 Asian. Multi-generational family history was obtained from 143 (16.4%); 62 African-American (13.7%; 47 females, 15 males), 58 White (22.1%; 37 females, 21 whites), 3 Hispanic (6.7%), and 4 Asian (9.5%). There was a significant difference (p = 0.0050) in the rate of detailed family history in African-Americans and whites. However, African-Americans and Whites similarly qualified for genetic counselling when family history was obtained (p = 0.7915); 58.1% African-Americans (36; 30 females, 6 males) and 50% Whites (29: 19 females, 10 males) qualified for genetic counselling. Overall referral rate to genetic counselling was 16.5% with no significant difference (p = 0.7586) between African-Americans and whites.

CONCLUSIONS

CRC risk assessment with detailed family medical history was inconsistently performed in all patients. There was significantly lower rate of obtaining multi-generational family medical histories in African-Americans. Referrals of all patients for genetic counselling and testing were also insufficient. Appropriate identification of individuals at increased risk for hereditary cancer syndromes, particularly African-Americans, is critical to prevention, early detection, and treatment of CRC and improving disparities in care.

An empirical study investigating the user acceptance of a virtual conversational agent interface for family health history collection among the geriatric population

Critical for the early diagnosis of genetic disorders, a Family Health History (FHx) can be collected in several ways including electronic FHx tools, which aid easy editing and sharing by linking with other information management portals. The user acceptance of such systems is critical, especially among older adults experiencing motor and cognitive issues. This study investigated two types of FHx interfaces, standard and Virtual Conversational Agent (VCA), using 30 young (between 18 and 30) and 24 older participants (over 60). Workload, usability and performance data were collected. Even though participants required less time to complete three of five tasks on the standard interface, the VCA interface performed better in terms of subjective workload and usability. Additionally, 67% of the older adults preferred the VCA interface since it provided context-based guidance during the data collection process. The results from this study have implications for the use of virtual assistants in FHx and other areas of data collection.

Relationships of Family History-related Factors and Causal Beliefs to Cancer Risk Perception and Mammography Screening Adherence Among Medically Underserved Women

This study examines how family history-related factors and causal beliefs affect underserved women's cancer risk perceptions and adherence to mammography. 1,010 patients at a primary care safety net clinic at a large urban hospital completed a survey in 2015. Of the 1,010 patients, 467 women 45 years of age or older were included in this analysis. The majority of participants were African American (68%). We built multivariable linear and logistic regression models to examine the dependent variables of cancer risk perception and mammography screening adherence. According to the results, those with a family history of cancer were significantly more likely to be adherent to mammography. Perceived importance of family health history also significantly predicted their mammography screening adherence. However, cancer risk perceptions did not predict underserved women's mammography adherence. Significant interaction effects on the associations 1) between family cancer history, cancer risk perceptions, and mammography screening adherence and 2) between race, behavioral causal beliefs, and risk perceptions were found. Findings suggest that implementing different strategies across racial groups and by cancer history may be necessary to promote regular mammography screening.

Applying theory to characterize impediments to dissemination of community-facing family health history tools: a review of the literature

Uptake of community-facing family health history (FHH) tools to identify those at highest risk of disease and target prevention efforts has been consistently low. This review uses the diffusion of innovations (DOI) as a framework to organize the FHH evidence base and identify potential strategies to improve uptake of community-facing FHH tools. Methods for this literature review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We completed systematic searches in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for studies from 2009 to 2017 and hand searched bibliographies of relevant literature to identify additional articles. We abstracted and synthesized results, which were then organized by the DOI including the innovation-decision making process and characteristics of the innovation likely to influence diffusion (e.g., compatibility, relative advantage, complexity, trialability, observa/bility). Of the 290 unique articles identified, 65 were eligible for full-text review after title and abstract screening; a total of 27 were included in the final abstraction. Eleven unique tools were identified. The most commonly used tool was the Surgeon General's My Family Health Portrait (n =9/27). Only six studies directly evaluated participant perceptions shown to be associated with tool uptake. Studies tended to focus on improving compatibility by customizing tools to the target population's needs and use of educational interventions. Results from this review suggest the need to evaluate strategies to increase the pace of uptake of community-facing FHH tools. These include pragmatic trials that compare different approaches to engage and evaluate participant perceptions of the relative advantage and complexity of tools. Ancillary support strategies may include collaborations with community networks to facilitate use and implementation study designs for rigorous evaluation.

Health communication roles in Latino, Pacific Islander, and Caucasian Families: A qualitative investigation

Family communication about health is critical for the dissemination of information that may improve health management of all family members. Communication about health issues, attitudes, and behaviors in families is associated with life expectancy as well as quality of life for family members. This study addresses family communication about health by examining individual roles for family health communication and factors related to these roles, among families of three different racial/ethnic groups: Caucasians, Latinos, and Pacific Islanders. Data were collected from 60 participants recruited as 30 family dyads, 10 from each group, through qualitative semistructured interviews. Interviews were conducted with each participant separately and then together in a dyadic interview. Two coders independently coded interview transcripts using NVivo 11. Results identified the family health communication roles of collector, disseminator, health educator, and researcher. We also identified several factors related to these roles using the lens of family systems theory-the presence of chronic conditions in the family, previous experience, medical education, and family hierarchy. Findings demonstrate many similarities and relatively few differences in the family health communication roles and the related factors among the families of different race/ethnicity. Conclusions highlight implications for future research and intervention development.

Race/Ethnicity and Accuracy of Self-Reported Female First-Degree Family History of Breast and Other Cancers in the Northern California Breast Cancer Family Registry

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated accuracy of self-reported family history of breast and other cancers in racial/ethnic minorities.

METHODS

We assessed the accuracy of cancer family history reports by women with breast cancer (probands) from the Northern California Breast Cancer Family Registry compared with 2 reference standards: personal cancer history reports by female first-degree relatives and California Cancer Registry records.

RESULTS

Probands reported breast cancer in first-degree relatives with high accuracy, but accuracy was lower for other cancers. Sensitivity (percentage correctly identifying relatives with cancer) was 93% [95% confidence interval (CI), 89.5-95.4] when compared with the relatives' self-report of breast cancer as the reference standard and varied little by proband race/ethnicity and other demographic factors, except for marginally lower sensitivity for Hispanic white probands (87.3%; 95% CI, 78.0-93.1; P = 0.07) than non-Hispanic white probands (95.1%; 95% CI, 88.9-98.0). Accuracy was also high when compared with cancer registry records as the reference standard, with a sensitivity of 95.5% (95% CI, 93.4-96.9) for breast cancer, but lower sensitivity for Hispanic white probands (91.2%; 95% CI, 84.4-95.2; P = 0.05) and probands with low English language proficiency (80%; 95% CI, 52.8-93.5; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-Hispanic white, African American, and Asian American probands reported first-degree breast cancer family history with high accuracy, although sensitivity was lower for Hispanic white probands and those with low English language proficiency.

IMPACT

Self-reported family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives is highly accurate and can be used as a reliable standard when other validation methods are not available.

A Community-Based Qualitative Assessment of Knowledge, Barriers, and Promoters of Communicating about Family Cancer History among African-Americans

Family cancer history (FCH) can shape prevention and early detection behaviors to decrease cancer risk. However, many individuals are unaware of increased risk for cancers based on family patterns. For some African-American communities, communication about FCH is rare and barriers have not been well studied. To optimize the use of FCH, it is crucial to understand how patients gather and share FCH with relatives and healthcare providers. We conducted four focus groups (n = 40) and seven key informant interviews (n = 9) to investigate knowledge, experiences, and barriers/promoters of FCH in the East Baltimore African-American community. Thematic analysis identified 14 distinct themes across six communication domains: participants' understanding of FCH, past FCH communication with family and providers, barriers to FCH communication, promoters of FCH communication, suggestions for future communication, and community health priorities. FCH was most often defined by narratives of family cancer experiences, and the majority of participants had shared little FCH with family members. Five psychosocial domains were commonly reported as barriers to sharing FCH: fear/denial, pride/dignity, selflessness/self-sacrifice, cancer fatalism, and distrust/skepticism of medical care. Diagnosis/death and caregiving/social support promoted FCH communication and encouraged cancer prevention behaviors such as screening. Although most participants had experienced cancer in their families, communication about FCH was low and psychosocial barriers were common. Understanding these communication domains in minority populations is crucial to developing interventions to address disparities in cancer prevention and control, particularly where effective screening and care recommendations exist for those with positive family histories.

Patterns of Communicating About Family Health History: Exploring Differences in Family Types, Age, and Sex

Family communication environments can be a facilitator or barrier to family cooperation and communication in collecting family health history (FHH) information, which can facilitate disease prevention. This study examined the direct and indirect effects of family communicative environments on whether individuals actively collected FHH information, as well as how age and sex differences complicate this relationship. Participants (N = 203) completed online surveys, answering close-ended questions about their family's communication patterns, how open their family is to communicating about FHH, and whether they have actively collected FHH information. Results show there was a direct effect between open family communicative environments and active collection, and found FHH communication openness was a positive partial mediator. Conversely, family environments stressing hierarchy and homogeneity of beliefs inhibit open communication about and collection of a FHH. Analysis of age and sex as moderators in the models showed a significant conditional indirect effects, which grew stronger as participants' age increased. Furthermore, results showed open family communicative environments lead to active collection of FHH for women, but not for men. Results confirm the importance of family communicative environments in facilitating or inhibiting FHH collection. Findings from the current study provide intervention points for practitioners to advise patients on the importance of collecting a FHH and guide behaviors to collect FHH information based on the family communicative environment.

New Approaches to Collecting Family Health History – A Preliminary Study Investigating the Efficacy of Conversational Systems to Collect Family Health History

Knowing and compiling your family health information is an important, cost-effective and efficient way to help your doctor screen and monitor for risks of genomic diseases such as cancer. There are several ways to collect family health history, including the use of digital records. Digital records can be helpful for sharing and updating information among family members. However, minimal research has been conducted to compare the different data collection interfaces. This study focuses on evaluating the user’s performance and preference between a conversational interface that we developed and a traditional interface for compiling family health history. Using a within-subjects design, twenty participants were asked to perform several tasks using both platforms. Although the conversational interface required more clicks, participants reported lower workload, higher performance and greater ease-of-use with this platform, and preferred the guidance of the virtual assistant.

Family health history and genetic services-the East Baltimore community stakeholder interview project

Discussion of family health history (FH) has the potential to be a communication tool within families and with health providers to stimulate health promotion related to many chronic conditions, including those with genetic implications for prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment. Diverse communities with disparities in health outcomes may require different approaches to engage individuals and families in the evolving areas of genetic risk communication, assessment, and services. This work was a partnership of a local urban agency and academic genetics professionals to increase understanding of community concerns and preferences related to FH and genetic awareness. Thirty community stakeholders in the East Baltimore area participated in structured interviews conducted by community members. We identified key themes on family health history FH, risk assessment, and genetic services. Forty-three percent (18/27) of community stakeholders thought families in East Baltimore did not discuss family health history FH with doctors. Stakeholders recognized the benefits and challenges of potential actions based on genetic risk assessment and the multiple competing priorities of families. FH awareness with community engagement and genetics education were the major needs identified by the participants. Research undertaken in active collaboration with community partners can provide enhanced consumer perspectives on the importance of family health history and its potential connections to health promotion and prevention activities.

Spirituality, Illness Unpredictability, and Math Anxiety Effects on Negative Affect and Affect-Management Coping for Individuals Diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

A growing number of genetic tests are included in diagnostic protocols associated with many common conditions. A positive diagnosis associated with the presence of some gene versions in many instances predicts a range of possible outcomes, and the uncertainty linked to such results contributes to the need to understand varied responses and plan strategic communication. Uncertainty in illness theory (UIT; Mishel, 1988, 1990) guided the investigation of efforts to feel in control and hopeful regarding genetic testing and diagnosis for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). Participants included 137 individuals with AATD recruited from the Alpha-1 Research Registry who were surveyed about their subjective numeracy, anxiety about math, spirituality, perceptions of illness unpredictability, negative affect regarding genetic testing, and coping strategies about a diagnosis. Results revealed that experiencing more fear and worry contributed both directly and indirectly to affect-management coping strategies, operating through individual perceptions of illness unpredictability. The inability to predict the symptoms and course of events related to a genetic illness and anxiety regarding math heightened fear and worry. Spirituality lessened both illness unpredictability and negative affective responses to a diagnosis. Results affirm the importance of clinician and counselor efforts to incorporate attention to patient spirituality. They also illustrate the complexity associated with strategic efforts to plan communication about the different versions of a gene's effects on well-being, when some versions align with mild health effects and others with severe effects.

Racism and health service utilisation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although racism has been posited as driver of racial/ethnic inequities in healthcare, the relationship between racism and health service use and experience has yet to be systematically reviewed or meta-analysed. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative empirical studies that report associations between self-reported racism and various measures of healthcare service utilisation. Data were reviewed and extracted from 83 papers reporting 70 studies. Studies included 250,850 participants and were conducted predominately in the U.S. The meta-analysis included 59 papers reporting 52 studies, which were analysed using random effects models and mean weighted effect sizes. Racism was associated with more negative patient experiences of health services (HSU-E) (OR = 0.351 (95% CI [0.236,0.521], k = 19), including lower levels of healthcare-related trust, satisfaction, and communication. Racism was not associated with health service use (HSU-U) as an outcome group, and was not associated with most individual HSU-U outcomes, including having had examinations, health service visits and admissions to health professionals and services. Racism was associated with health service use outcomes such as delaying/not getting healthcare, and lack of adherence to treatment uptake, although these effects may be influenced by a small sample of studies, and publication bias, respectively. Limitations to the literature reviewed in terms of study designs, sampling methods and measurements are discussed along with suggested future directions in the field.

Identification of hereditary cancer in the general population: development and validation of a screening questionnaire for obtaining the family history of cancer

One of the challenges for Latin American countries is to include in their healthcare systems technologies that can be applied to hereditary cancer detection and management. The aim of the study is to create and validate a questionnaire to identify individuals with possible risk for hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes (HCPS), using different strategies in a Cancer Prevention Service in Brazil. The primary screening questionnaire (PSQ) was developed to identify families at‐risk for HCPS. The PSQ was validated using discrimination measures, and the reproducibility was estimated through kappa coefficient. Patients with at least one affirmative answer had the pedigree drawn using three alternative interview approaches: in‐person, by telephone, or letter. Validation of these approaches was done. Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to analyze data's reproducibility considering the presence of clinical criteria for HCPS. The PSQ was applied to a convenience sample of 20,000 women of which 3121 (15.6%) answered at least one affirmative question and 1938 had their pedigrees drawn. The PSQ showed sensitivity and specificity scores of 94.4% and 75%, respectively, and a kappa of 0.64. The strategies for pedigree drawing had reproducibility coefficients of 0.976 and 0.850 for the telephone and letter approaches, respectively. Pedigree analysis allowed us to identify 465 individuals (24.0%) fulfilling at least one clinical criterion for HCPS. The PSQ fulfills its function, allowing the identification of HCPS at‐risk families. The use of alternative screening methods may reduce the number of excluded at‐risk individuals/families who live in locations where oncogenetic services are not established.

'Because I Don't know': uncertainty and ambiguity in closed-ended reports of perceived discrimination in US health care

Objective Surveys often ask respondents to assess discrimination in health care. Yet, patients' responses to one type of widely used measure of discrimination (single-item, personally mediated) tend to reveal prevalence rates lower than observational studies would suggest. This study examines the meaning behind respondents' closed-ended self-reports on this specific type of measure, paying special attention to the frameworks and references used within the medical setting. Design Twenty-nine respondents participated in this study. They were asked the widely used question: 'Within the past 12 months, when seeking health care do you feel your experiences were worse than, the same as, or better than people of other races?' We then conducted qualitative interviews focusing on their chosen response and past experiences. Descriptive analyses focus on both the quantitative and qualitative data, including a comparison of conveyed perceived discrimination according to the different sources of data. Results To identify discrimination, respondents drew upon observations of dynamics in the waiting room or the health providers' communication style. Our respondents were frequently ambivalent and uncertain about how their personal treatment in health care compared to people of other races. When participants were unable to make observable comparisons, they tended to assume equal treatment and report 'same as' in the close-ended reports. Conclusion Respondents' responses to single-item, closed-ended questions may be influenced by characteristics specific to the health care realm. An emphasis on privacy and assumptions about the health care field (both authority and benevolence of providers) may limit opportunities for comparison and result in assumptions of racial parity in treatment.

Predictors of Self-Reported Family Health History of Breast Cancer

The objective of this study was to identify predictors of self-reported family health history of breast cancer in an ethnically diverse population of women participating in a breast cancer screening program. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire about their demography, health, breast health and family health history of breast cancer. The association between family health history of breast cancer and categorical variables were analyzed using the T test, chi square, and multi-nominal logistic regression. Those who were least likely to report a family history of cancer were African Americans (p = 0.02), and immigrant women from South America (p < 0.001) and Africa (p = 0.04). However, 34.4 % reported having a second-degree maternal relative with breast cancer compared to 6.9 % who reported having a second degree paternal relative with breast cancer. Therefore, there is a need to increase efforts to educate families about the importance of collecting and sharing one's family health history.

Familial risk for lifestyle-related chronic diseases: can family health history be used as a motivational tool to promote health behaviour in young adults?

ISSUE ADDRESSED

Risk for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes has both a familial and a lifestyle component. This quasi-experimental study aimed to determine whether a Family Health History (FHH) assessment and the subsequent provision of risk information would increase young adults' (17-29 years) intentions to modify health behaviours associated with the risk of these chronic diseases (i.e. alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity) and to talk to their family about their risk.

METHODS

After baseline measures of current and intended health-related behaviours, participants (n = 116) were randomly allocated to either a FHH assessment or control information. Based on the FHH provided, participants in the FHH condition were then classified as 'above-average risk' or 'average risk'. One week later, participants were provided with tailored health information and completed follow-up measures of intended health-related behaviours and perceived vulnerability.

RESULTS

Participants classified as 'above-average risk' had increased perceptions of vulnerability to a chronic disease. Despite this, no group differences were found in intentions to change physical activity or fruit and vegetable consumption. Participants with above-average risk reported greater intentions to decrease the frequency of their alcohol consumption than average risk/control participants. In addition, completing a FHH assessment promoted intended communication with family members about chronic disease risk.

CONCLUSIONS

FHH assessments may have the greatest value within the family context. SO WHAT? Future research could examine the impact of providing FHH information to different family members as a health promotion strategy.

Family Ties: The Role of Family Context in Family Health History Communication About Cancer

Family health history about cancer is an important prevention and health promotion tool. Yet few studies have identified family context factors that promote such discussions. We explored relations among family context (cohesion, flexibility, and openness), self-efficacy, and cancer communication (gathering family history, sharing cancer risk information, and frequency) in a diverse group of women enrolled in a randomized control trial. Baseline survey data for 472 women were analyzed. The women's average age was 34 years, 59% identified as Black, 31% had graduated high school, and 75% reported a family history of any cancer. Results showed that greater family cohesion and flexibility were related to higher communication frequency and sharing cancer information. Women who reported greater self-efficacy were more likely to have gathered family history, shared cancer risk information, and communicated more frequently with relatives. Openness was not associated with communication but was related to greater family cohesion and flexibility. Adjusting for demographic variables, self-efficacy, and family cohesion significantly predicted communication frequency. Women with higher self-efficacy were also more likely to have gathered family health history about cancer and shared cancer risk information. Future research may benefit from considering family organization and self-efficacy when developing psychosocial theories that in turn inform cancer prevention interventions.

Relationships Between Health Literacy and Genomics-Related Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, Perceived Importance, and Communication in a Medically Underserved Population

The increasing importance of genomic information in clinical care heightens the need to examine how individuals understand, value, and communicate about this information. Based on a conceptual framework of genomics-related health literacy, we examined whether health literacy was related to knowledge, self-efficacy, and perceived importance of genetics and family health history (FHH) and communication about FHH in a medically underserved population. The analytic sample was composed of 624 patients at a primary care clinic in a large urban hospital. About half of the participants (47%) had limited health literacy; 55% had no education beyond high school, and 58% were Black. In multivariable models, limited health literacy was associated with lower genetic knowledge (β = -0.55, SE = 0.10, p < .0001), lower awareness of FHH (odds ratio [OR] = 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI; 0.28, 0.90], p = .020), and greater perceived importance of genetic information (OR = 1.95, 95% CI [1.27, 3.00], p = .0022) but lower perceived importance of FHH information (OR = 0.47, 95% CI [0.26, 0.86], p = .013) and more frequent communication with a doctor about FHH (OR = 2.02, 95% CI [1.27, 3.23], p = .0032). The findings highlight the importance of considering domains of genomics-related health literacy (e.g., knowledge, oral literacy) in developing educational strategies for genomic information. Health literacy research is essential to avoid increasing disparities in information and health outcomes as genomic information reaches more patients.

Searching for the Kinkeepers: Historian Gender, Age, and Type 2 Diabetes Family History

Kinkeepers facilitate family communication and may be key to family medical history collection and dissemination. Middle-aged women are frequently kinkeepers. Using type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as a model, we explored whether the predicted gender and age effects of kinkeeping can be extended to family medical historians. Through a U.S. telephone survey, nondiabetic Mexican Americans (n = 385), Blacks (n = 387), and Whites (n = 396) reported family histories of T2DM. Negative binomial regressions used age and gender to predict the number of affected relatives reported. Models were examined for the gender gap, parabolic age effect, and gender-by-age interaction predicted by kinkeeping. Results demonstrated support for gender and parabolic age effects but only among Whites. Kinkeeping may have application to the study of White family medical historians, but not Black or Mexican American historians, perhaps because of differences in family structure, salience of T2DM, and/or gender roles.

Enhancing the Collection, Discussion and Use of Family Health History by Consumers, Nurses and Other Health Care Providers: Because Family Health History Matters

The family health history (FHH) has long been used by nurses and other health care providers in clinical practice to determine if an individual, their family members, or their future generations are at an increased risk of heritable disease development. Information gleaned from the FHH can be used to better integrate preventive strategies into the plan of care. This report presents a summary of an exploratory pilot study that focused on the collection and use of FHH among a targeted group of Midwestern men and women. Findings suggest a need for efforts to further enhance the public's awareness of the importance of FHH.

Impact of family history assessment on communication with family members and health care providers: A report from the Family Healthware™ Impact Trial (FHITr)

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the impact of Family Healthware™ on communication behaviors; specifically, communication with family members and health care providers about family health history.

METHODS

A total of 3786 participants were enrolled in the Family Healthware™ Impact Trial (FHITr) in the United States from 2005-7. The trial employed a two-arm cluster-randomized design, with primary care practices serving as the unit of randomization. Using generalized estimating equations (GEE), analyses focused on communication behaviors at 6month follow-up, adjusting for age, site and practice clustering.

RESULTS

A significant interaction was observed between study arm and baseline communication status for the family communication outcomes (p's<.01), indicating that intervention had effects of different magnitude between those already communicating at baseline and those who were not. Among participants who were not communicating at baseline, intervention participants had higher odds of communicating with family members about family history risk (OR=1.24, p=0.042) and actively collecting family history information at follow-up (OR=2.67, p=0.026). Family Healthware™ did not have a significant effect on family communication among those already communicating at baseline, or on provider communication, regardless of baseline communication status. Greater communication was observed among those at increased familial risk for a greater number of diseases.

CONCLUSION

Family Healthware™ prompted more communication about family history with family members, among those who were not previously communicating. Efforts are needed to identify approaches to encourage greater sharing of family history information, particularly with health care providers.

The context of collecting family health history: examining definitions of family and family communication about health among African American women

Public health initiatives encourage the public to discuss and record family health history information, which can inform prevention and screening for a variety of conditions. Most research on family health history discussion and collection, however, has predominantly involved White participants and has not considered lay definitions of family or family communication patterns about health. This qualitative study of 32 African American women-16 with a history of cancer-analyzed participants' definitions of family, family communication about health, and collection of family health history information. Family was defined by biological relatedness, social ties, interactions, and proximity. Several participants noted using different definitions of family for different purposes (e.g., biomedical vs. social). Health discussions took place between and within generations and were influenced by structural relationships (e.g., sister) and characteristics of family members (e.g., trustworthiness). Participants described managing tensions between sharing health information and protecting privacy, especially related to generational differences in sharing information, fear of familial conflict or gossip, and denial (sometimes described as refusal to "own" or "claim" a disease). Few participants reported that anyone in their family kept formal family health history records. Results suggest family health history initiatives should address family tensions and communication patterns that affect discussion and collection of family health history information.

"That was grown folks' business": narrative reflection and response in older adults' family health history communication

Given the importance of family health history and the pivotal role of older adults in communicating it, this study examines how African American older adults (a) characterize their understandings of health-related conditions in their family histories and (b) rationalize their motivations and constraints for sharing this information with current family members. Using narrative theory as a framework, we illustrate how the participants reflect on prior health-related experiences within the family to respond to moral and practical calls for communicating family health information to current relatives. Specifically, our analysis highlights how storied family secrets--as constructed by 28 participants in group and individual interviews--reveal and inform shifting cultural and generational practices that shape the lived health behaviors and communication of older adults at greater risk for health disparities.

Patterns of family health history communication among older African American adults

This qualitative study examined patterns of communication regarding family health history among older African American adults. The authors conducted 5 focus groups and 6 semi-structured interviews with African Americans aged 60 years and older (N = 28). The authors identified 4 distinct patterns of family health history communication: noncommunication, open communication, selective communication (communication restricted to certain people or topics), and one-way communication (communication not reciprocated by younger family members). In general, participants favored open family health history communication, often resulting from desires to change patterns of noncommunication in previous generations regarding personal and family health history. Some participants indicated that they were selective about what and with whom they shared health information in order to protect their privacy and not worry others. Others described family health history communication as one-way or unreciprocated by younger family members who appeared uninterested or unwilling to share personal and family health information. The communication patterns that the authors identified are consistent with communication privacy management theory and with findings from studies focused on genetic testing results for hereditary conditions, suggesting that individuals are consistent in their communication of health and genetic risk information. Findings may guide the development of health message strategies for African Americans to increase family health history communication.

Family health information sharing among older adults: reaching more family members

Although family health history (FHH) information has tremendous potential in the prevention of common complex diseases such as heart disease and cancer, lack of knowledge about one's own FHH among the public hinders its utility. Older individuals often desire to contribute to the well-being of younger generations and also play critical roles in disseminating this information. This study evaluated psychosocial factors associated with the extent of FHH communication within families. Older adults (N = 110) were interviewed at three senior centers in an urban community. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis showed that respondents who received FHH from a parent reported 41 % more family members with whom they shared FHH (b = 0.34, p < 0.001) controlling for the family network size. Furthermore, one unit increase in the number of family members with whom respondents exchange reciprocal emotional support (b = 0.04, p < 0.01), perceived familiarity with own FHH (b = 0.14, p = 0.01), and self-efficacy to share FHH (b = 0.18, p = 0.02) were associated with 4, 15, and 20 % increases in the number of family members with whom respondents shared FHH, respectively. Future efforts may inform older adults about their important role in modeling FHH communication behavior to encourage information sharing in future generations while providing information about how to collect and disseminate FHH to increase their familiarity and ability to share FHH within the family.

The KinFact intervention - a randomized controlled trial to increase family communication about cancer history

BACKGROUND

Knowing family history is important for understanding cancer risk, yet communication within families is suboptimal. Providing strategies to enhance communication may be useful.

METHODS

Four hundred ninety women were recruited from urban, safety-net, hospital-based primary care women's health clinics. Participants were randomized to receive the KinFact intervention or the control handout on lowering risks for breast/colon cancer and screening recommendations. Cancer family history was reviewed with all participants. The 20-minute KinFact intervention, based in communication and behavior theory, included reviewing individualized breast/colon cancer risks and an interactive presentation about cancer and communication. Study outcomes included whether participants reported collecting family history, shared cancer risk information with relatives, and the frequency of communication with relatives. Data were collected at baseline, 1, 6, and 14 months.

RESULTS

Overall, intervention participants were significantly more likely to gather family cancer information at follow-up (odds ratio [OR]: 2.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01, 3.71) and to share familial cancer information with relatives (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.48). Communication frequency (1=not at all; 4=a lot) was significantly increased at follow-up (1.67 vs. 1.54). Differences were not modified by age, race, education, or family history. However, effects were modified by pregnancy status and genetic literacy. Intervention effects for information gathering and frequency were observed for nonpregnant women but not for pregnant women. Additionally, intervention effects were observed for information gathering in women with high genetic literacy, but not in women with low genetic literacy.

CONCLUSIONS

The KinFact intervention successfully promoted family communication about cancer risk. Educating women to enhance their communication skills surrounding family history may allow them to partner more effectively with their families and ultimately their providers in discussing risks and prevention.

The impact of personalized risk feedback on Mexican Americans' perceived risk for heart disease and diabetes

Little is known about the effect of personalized risk information on risk perceptions over time, particularly among ethnically diverse subpopulations. The present study examines Mexican American's (MAs) risk perceptions for heart disease and diabetes at baseline and following receipt of risk feedback based on family health history. Participants comprising 162 households received a pedigree or personalized risk feedback, with or without behavioral risk reduction recommendations. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess lifetime perceived risk (LPR) at baseline, 3 months and 10 months following the receipt of risk feedback. Having an elevated familial risk of heart disease or diabetes increased the odds of an elevated LPR for both diseases at baseline. At 3 months, compared with receipt of a pedigree only, MAs receiving elevated risk feedback for both diseases were more likely to have an elevated LPR for both diseases. At 10 months, participants receiving weak risk feedback for both diseases indicated an adjustment to a lower LPR for heart disease only. Results suggest that communicating risk for multiple diseases may be more effective than a single disease, with responses to increased risk feedback more immediate than to weak risk feedback.

Understanding family health information seeking: a test of the theory of motivated information management

Although a family health history can be used to assess disease risk and increase health prevention behaviors, research suggests that few people have collected family health information. Guided by the Theory of Motivated Information Management, this study seeks to understand the barriers to and facilitators of interpersonal information seeking about family health history. Individuals who were engaged to be married (N = 306) were surveyed online and in person to understand how factors such as uncertainty, expectations for an information search, efficacy, and anxiety influence decisions and strategies for obtaining family health histories. The results supported the Theory of Motivated Information Management by demonstrating that individuals who experienced uncertainty discrepancies regarding family heath history had greater intention to seek information from family members when anxiety was low, outcome expectancy was high, and communication efficacy was positive. Although raising uncertainty about family health history may be an effective tool for health communicators to increase communication among family members, low-anxiety situations may be optimal for information seeking. Health communication messages must also build confidence in people's ability to communicate with family to obtain the needed health information.

Family history as a predictor for disease risk in healthy individuals: a cross-sectional study in Slovenia

BACKGROUND

Family history can be used as a genetic risk predictor for common non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of healthy individuals at risk of developing these diseases, based on their self-reported family history.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

This was a cross-sectional observational study. Data were collected in the three largest occupational practices in primary health care centres in Slovenia, a Central European country. The study population consisted of consecutive individuals who came to occupational practices for their regular preventive check-up from November 2010 to June 2012. We included 1,696 individuals. Data were collected by a self-developed questionnaire. The main outcome was the number of participants at a moderate or high risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The final sample consisted of 1,340 respondents. Moderate or high risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases was present in 280 (20.9%) participants, for the development of diabetes in 154 (11.5%) participants and for cancer in 163 (12.1%) participants.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found a significant proportion of healthy individuals with an increased genetic risk for common non-communicable diseases; consequently further genetic and clinical evaluation and preventive measures should be offered.

"You don't have to keep everything on paper": African American women's use of family health history tools

Little is known about African American women's collection of family health history (FHH) information and use of FHH tools. Most FHH research has investigated tools that use a biomedical paradigm, but other kinds of tools, such as those that include information about family social context, have been developed for use in diverse populations. Using mixed methods, we interviewed 32 African American women about behavioral steps to collecting FHH, family communication about health, and reactions to a biomedical FHH tool. Participants chose one of two FHH tools to take home. A follow-up call three weeks later assessed tool use. Many participants expressed support for writing down FHH information, but at baseline few had done so; most participants who had collected FHH information had done so verbally. Participants reacted positively to the biomedical FHH tool used during the interview, with many saying it allowed them to see patterns in their FHH. At follow-up, 67 % reported using their FHH tool, primarily to promote discussion among family members; only 32 % used the tool to write down FHH information. Although participants thought collecting FHH information was important and had positive reactions to both tools, the majority did not use the tools to write down information and instead collected FHH informally. These findings underline the importance of separating the components of FHH collection behaviors to analyze the steps used in FHH creation. Practitioners should consider additional methods of encouraging patients to create written FHHs in order to share the information with health care providers.

Family health history communication networks of older adults: importance of social relationships and disease perceptions

Older individuals play a critical role in disseminating family health history (FHH) information that can facilitate disease prevention among younger family members. This study evaluated the characteristics of older adults and their familial networks associated with two types of communication (have shared and intend to share new FHH information with family members) to inform public health efforts to facilitate FHH dissemination. Information on 970 social network members enumerated by 99 seniors (aged 57 years and older) at 3 senior centers in Memphis, Tennessee, through face-to-face interviews was analyzed. Participants shared FHH information with 27.5% of the network members; 54.7% of children and 24.4% of siblings. Two-level logistic regression models showed that participants had shared FHH with those to whom they provided emotional support (odds ratio [OR] = 1.836) and felt close to (OR = 1.757). Network-members were more likely to have received FHH from participants with a cancer diagnosis (OR = 2.617) and higher familiarity with (OR = 1.380) and importance of sharing FHH with family (OR = 1.474). Participants intended to share new FHH with those who provide tangible support to (OR = 1.804) and were very close to them (OR = 2.112). Members with whom participants intend to share new FHH were more likely to belong to the network of participants with higher perceived severity if family members encountered heart disease (OR = 1.329). Many first-degree relatives were not informed of FHH. Perceptions about FHH and disease risk as well as quality of social relationships may play roles in whether seniors communicate FHH with their families. Future studies may consider influencing these perceptions and relationships.

Talking (or not) about family health history in families of Latino young adults

Although individuals recognize the importance of knowing their family's health history for their own health, relatively few people (e.g., less than a third in one national survey) collect this type of information. This study examines the rates of family communication about family health history of cancer, and predictors of communication in a sample of English-speaking Latino young adults. A total of 224 Latino young adults completed a survey that included measures on family communication, cultural factors, religious commitment, and cancer worry. We found that few Latino young adults reported collecting information from their families for the purposes of creating a family health history (18%) or sharing information about hereditary cancer risk with family members (16%). In contrast, slightly more than half of the participants reported generally "talking with their mothers about their family's health history of cancer." Logistic regression results indicated that cancer worry (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-4.93), being female (OR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.02-8.08), and being older (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.01-1.76) were associated with increased rates of collecting information from family members. In contrast, orientation to the Latino culture (OR = 2.81; 95% CI = 1.33-5.94) and religious commitment (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.02-2.32) were associated with increased rates of giving cancer information. Results highlight the need for prevention programs to help further general discussions about a family's history of cancer to more specific information related to family health history.