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Stites SD, Gill J, Largent EA, Harkins K, Sankar P, Krieger A, Karlawish J. The relative contributions of biomarkers, disease modifying treatment, and dementia severity to Alzheimer's stigma: A vignette-based experiment. Soc Sci Med 2022; 292:114620. [PMID: 34883313 PMCID: PMC8748419 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The symptoms and prognosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia contribute to the public's negative reactions toward individuals with AD dementia and their families. But what if, using AD biomarker tests, diagnosis was made before the onset of dementia, and a disease-modifying treatment was available? This study tests the hypotheses that a "preclinical" diagnosis of AD and treatment that improves prognosis will mitigate stigmatizing reactions. METHODS A sample of U.S. adults were randomized to receive one vignette created by a 3 × 2 × 2 vignette-based experiment that described a person with varied clinical symptom severity (Clinical Dementia Rating stages 0 (no dementia), 1 (mild), or 2 (moderate)), AD biomarker test results (positive vs negative), and disease-modifying treatment (available vs not available). Between-group comparisons were conducted of scores on the Modified Family Stigma in Alzheimer's Disease Scale (FS-ADS). RESULTS The sample of 1,817 adults had a mean age two years younger than that of U.S. adults but was otherwise similar to the general adult population. The response rate was 63% and the completion rate was 96%. In comparisons of randomized groups, mild and moderate symptoms of dementia evoked stronger reactions on all FS-ADS domains compared to no dementia (all p < 0.001). A positive biomarker test result evoked stronger reactions on all but one FS-ADS domain (negative aesthetic attributions) compared to a negative biomarker result (all p < 0.001). Disease-modifying treatment had no measurable influence on stigma (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The stigmas of dementia spill over into preclinical AD, and availability of treatment does not alter that stigma. Translation of the preclinical AD construct from research into practice will require interventions that mitigate AD stigma to preserve the dignity and identity of individuals living with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana D. Stites
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jeanine Gill
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Emily A. Largent
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kristin Harkins
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Pamela Sankar
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Abba Krieger
- University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, Department of Statistics, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jason Karlawish
- Penn Memory Center, Departments of Medicine, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Roberts MC, Fohner AE, Landry L, Olstad DL, Smit AK, Turbitt E, Allen CG. Advancing precision public health using human genomics: examples from the field and future research opportunities. Genome Med 2021; 13:97. [PMID: 34074326 PMCID: PMC8168000 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00911-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision public health is a relatively new field that integrates components of precision medicine, such as human genomics research, with public health concepts to help improve population health. Despite interest in advancing precision public health initiatives using human genomics research, current and future opportunities in this emerging field remain largely undescribed. To that end, we provide examples of promising opportunities and current applications of genomics research within precision public health and outline future directions within five major domains of public health: biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health policy and health services, and social and behavioral science. To further extend applications of genomics within precision public health research, three key cross-cutting challenges will need to be addressed: developing policies that implement precision public health initiatives at multiple levels, improving data integration and developing more rigorous methodologies, and incorporating initiatives that address health equity. Realizing the potential to better integrate human genomics within precision public health will require transdisciplinary efforts that leverage the strengths of both precision medicine and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C. Roberts
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 301 Pharmacy Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Alison E. Fohner
- Department of Epidemiology and Institute of Public Health Genetics, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Ave, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Latrice Landry
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital &The Division of Population Sciences in Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215-5450 USA
| | - Dana Lee Olstad
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6 Canada
| | - Amelia K. Smit
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, 119-143 Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050 Australia
| | - Erin Turbitt
- Discipline of Genetic Counselling, The University of Technology Sydney, 100 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2008 Australia
| | - Caitlin G. Allen
- Department of Behavioral Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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Germline Mutations in Other Homologous Recombination Repair-Related Genes Than BRCA1/2: Predictive or Prognostic Factors? J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11040245. [PMID: 33800556 PMCID: PMC8066561 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11040245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway repairs double-strand DNA breaks, mostly by BRCA1 and BRCA2, although other proteins such as ATM, CHEK2, and PALB2 are also involved. BRCA1/2 germline mutations are targeted by PARP inhibitors. The aim of this commentary is to explore whether germline mutations in HRR-related genes other than BRCA1/2 have to be considered as prognostic factors or predictive to therapies by discussing the results of two articles published in December 2020. The TBCRC 048 trial published by Tung et al. showed an impressive objective response rate to olaparib in metastatic breast cancer patients with germline PALB2 mutation compared to germline ATM and CHEK2 mutation carriers. Additionally, Yadav et al. observed a significantly longer overall survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients with germline HRR mutations compared to non-carriers. In our opinion, assuming that PALB2 is a high-penetrant gene with a key role in the HRR system, PALB2 mutations are predictive factors for response to treatment. Moreover, germline mutations in the ATM gene provide a better outcome in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, being more often associated to wild-type KRAS. In conclusion, sequencing of HRR-related genes other than BRCA1/2 should be routinely offered as part of a biological characterization of pancreatic and breast cancers.
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Chavarria EA, Christy SM, Simmons VN, Vadaparampil ST, Gwede CK, Meade CD. Learner Verification: A Methodology to Create Suitable Education Materials. Health Lit Res Pract 2021; 5:e49-e59. [PMID: 34251862 PMCID: PMC8075101 DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20210201-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Learner verification and revision (LV&R) is a research methodological approach to inform educational message design with the aim of producing suitable, actionable, and literacy appropriate messages to aid in awareness, adoption of healthy behaviors, and decision-making. It consists of a series of participatory steps that engage users throughout materials development, revision, and refinement. This approach is congruent with Healthy People 2030 communication objectives to improve access to information among diverse, multicultural, multilingual populations, and enhance health care quality toward health equity. Brief description of activity: To illustrate LV&R, we describe its use in three cancer education projects that produced targeted information about (1) inherited breast cancer among African Americans (brochure); (2) colorectal cancer screening among Latinos (photo novella and DVD); and (3) smoking-relapse prevention among patients receiving cancer treatment (video). We discuss rationale for its application in the three exemplars and extrapolate lessons learned from our experiences when using this approach. Implementation: A qualitative approach entailing individual or group-based discussions helped to examine the elements of learner verification (i.e., attraction, comprehension, self-efficacy, cultural acceptability, persuasion). The following steps are reported: (1) preparation of materials, interview guide, and recruitment; (2) interviewing of participants; and (3) evaluation of responses. Data were analyzed by use of a coding system that placed participant responses from each of the elements into data summary matrices. Findings informed revisions and refinement of materials. Results: LV&R was effectively applied across the three cancer education projects to enhance the suitability of the materials. As a result, the materials were improved by using clearer, more salient language to enhance comprehension and cultural acceptability, by integrating design elements such as prompts, headers, and stylistic edits to reduce text density, incorporating preferred colors and graphics to improve aesthetic appeal, and including actionable terms and words to bolster motivation and self-efficacy. Lessons learned: Results suggest that LV&R methodology can improve suitability of education materials through systematic, iterative steps that engage diverse, multicultural, multilingual populations. This approach is a critical participa-tory strategy toward health equity, and is appropriate in a variety of education, research, and clinical practice settings to improve health communications. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2021;5(1):e49–e59.] Plain Language Summary: This article describes the use of a systematic approach called “learner verification” used for developing educational materials. This approach involves obtaining feedback from audience members to ensure that the information is understandable, attractive in design, motivating, and culturally relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Cathy D. Meade
- Address correspondence to Cathy D. Meade, PhD, RN, FAAN, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, MFC-EDU, Tampa, FL 33612;
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McBride CM, Graves KD, Kaphingst KA, Allen CG, Wang C, Arredondo E, Klein WMP. Behavioral and social scientists' reflections on genomics: a systematic evaluation within the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Transl Behav Med 2020; 9:1012-1019. [PMID: 30950497 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibz044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical and public health translation of genomics could be facilitated by expertise from behavioral medicine, yet genomics has not been a significant focus of the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM). SBM convened a working group (WG) to lead a systematic exploration of members' views on: (a) whether SBM should give a higher priority to genomic translation and (b) what efforts, if any, should be made to support this increased engagement. The WG used a stepped process over 2 years that began by gaining input from SBM leadership regarding key issues and suggestions for approach, engaging a cross section of membership to expand and record these discussions, followed by systematic qualitative analyses to inform priority action steps. Discussions with SBM leaders and members suggested that genomics was relevant to SBM, particularly for junior members. SBM members' expertise in social and behavioral theory, and implementation study designs, were viewed as highly relevant to genomic translation. Participants expressed that behavioral and social scientists should be engaged in translational genomics work, giving special attention to health disparities. Proposed action steps are aligned with a "push-pull" framework of innovation dissemination. "Push" strategies aim to reach potential adopters and included linking members with genomics expertise to those wanting to become involved and raising awareness of evidence-based genomic applications ready for implementation. "Pull" strategies aim to expand demand and included developing partnerships with genomics societies and advocating for funding, study section modifications, and training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M McBride
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristi D Graves
- Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Caitlin G Allen
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Catharine Wang
- Community Sciences Department, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elva Arredondo
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - William M P Klein
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Science, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Oli N, Vaidya A, Eiben G, Krettek A. Effectiveness of health promotion regarding diet and physical activity among Nepalese mothers and their young children: The Heart-health Associated Research, Dissemination, and Intervention in the Community (HARDIC) trial. Glob Health Action 2019; 12:1670033. [PMID: 31573416 PMCID: PMC6781231 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2019.1670033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nepal, like many low- and middle-income countries, exhibits rising burden of cardiovascular diseases. Misconceptions, poor behavior, and a high prevalence of risk factors contribute to this development. Health promotion efforts along with primary prevention strategies, including risk factor reduction in both adults and children, are therefore critical. Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a health promotion intervention on mothers' knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) and their children's behavior regarding diet and physical activity. Methods: The Heart-health Associated Research, Dissemination and Intervention in the Community (HARDIC), a community-based trial, used peer education to target mothers with 1-9-year-old children in the peri-urban Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site, Nepal, during August-November 2016. In the intervention area, 47 peer mothers were trained to conduct four education classes for about 10 fellow mothers (N = 391). After 3 months, all eligible mothers in the intervention and control areas were interviewed and the results were compared with the KAP of all eligible mothers at baseline. Results: Post-intervention, mothers' KAP median scores had improved regarding heart-healthy diet and physical activity. More mothers had 'good' KAP (>75% of maximum possible scores), and mothers with 'good' knowledge increased from 50% to 81%. Corresponding control values increased only from 58% to 63%. Mothers' attitude and practice improved. Additionally, mothers in the intervention area reported improvement in their children's diet and physical activity behavior. Moreover, Difference in Differences analysis showed that the HARDIC intervention significantly increased mothers' KAP scores and children's behavior scores in the intervention area compared to the control area. Conclusions: Our intervention improves KAP scores regarding diet and physical activity and shows potential for expansion via community health workers, volunteers, and/or local women. Moreover, HARDIC can contribute to Nepal's Package of Essential Noncommunicable Diseases Initiative, which currently lacks a specific package for health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Oli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Abhinav Vaidya
- Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Gabriele Eiben
- Department of Biomedicine and Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Krettek
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biomedicine and Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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7
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Sutton AL, He J, Tanner E, Edmonds MC, Henderson A, Hurtado de Mendoza A, Sheppard VB. Understanding Medical Mistrust in Black Women at Risk of BRCA 1/2 Mutations. JOURNAL OF HEALTH DISPARITIES RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 12:35-47. [PMID: 32995070 PMCID: PMC7521839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The benefits of genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC) are well documented; however, Black women are less likely to use these services compared to White women. Mistrust of the medical system has been associated with Black women's use of genetic counseling and testing (GCT). However, relatively little is known about the correlates of medical mistrust in Black women at increased risk of HBOC. In this study, we examined the prevalence and predictors of medical mistrust in 94 Black women at-risk of HBOC. Most women were married (48.7%) and had at least some collegiate education (57.1%). While no predisposing characteristics were significantly related to medical mistrust, bivariate analysis indicated significant relationships between mistrust and fatalism (p=0.04), perceptions of discrimination in the healthcare setting (p=0.01), and self-efficacy in obtaining GCT (p=0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed that women who reported more discriminatory experiences and women with less confidence in obtaining GCT expressed greater medical mistrust. Multilevel approaches are needed to address psychosocial factors associated with feelings of mistrust. Future efforts must not solely focus on educating women on the importance of and need for GCT; addressing structural barriers, such as patient-provider interactions, that contribute to mistrust must become a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erin Tanner
- Greater Washington Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Genetics
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Srivastava SK, Ahmad A, Miree O, Patel GK, Singh S, Rocconi RP, Singh AP. Racial health disparities in ovarian cancer: not just black and white. J Ovarian Res 2017; 10:58. [PMID: 28931403 PMCID: PMC5607508 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-017-0355-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, which disproportionately affects African American (AA) women. Lack of awareness and socioeconomic factors are considered important players in OC racial health disparity, while at the same time, some recent studies have brought focus on the genetic basis of disparity as well. Differential polymorphisms, mutations and expressions of genes have been reported in OC patients of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Combined, it appears that neither genetic nor the socioeconomic factors alone might explain the observed racially disparate health outcomes among OC patients. Rather, a more logical explanation would be the one that takes into consideration the combination and/or the interplay of these factors, perhaps even including some environmental ones. Hence, in this article, we attempt to review the available information on OC racial health disparity, and provide an overview of socioeconomic, environmental and genetic factors, as well as the epigenetic changes that can act as a liaison between the three. A better understanding of these underlying causes will help further research on effective cancer management among diverse patient population and ultimately narrow health disparity gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev K Srivastava
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, 1660 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL, 36604-1405, USA. .,Division of Cell Biology and Genetics, Tatva Biosciences, Coastal Innovation Hub, 600 Clinic Drive, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, 1660 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL, 36604-1405, USA
| | - Orlandric Miree
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, 1660 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL, 36604-1405, USA
| | - Girijesh Kumar Patel
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, 1660 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL, 36604-1405, USA
| | - Seema Singh
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, 1660 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL, 36604-1405, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
| | - Rodney P Rocconi
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36604, USA
| | - Ajay P Singh
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, 1660 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL, 36604-1405, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
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Finset A. Special section on psychological aspects of cancer: Patient and clinician perspectives. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2017; 100:793-794. [PMID: 28427609 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2017.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arnstein Finset
- University of Oslo, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, Post Office Box 1111, Blindern, N-0317, Oslo, Norway.
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