1
|
Peterson JM, Pepin A, Thomas R, Biagi T, Stark E, Sparks AD, Johnson K, Kaltman R. Racial disparities in breast cancer hereditary risk assessment referrals. J Genet Couns 2020; 29:587-593. [DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Abigail Pepin
- George Washington University School of Medicine Washington District of Columbia
| | - Rehema Thomas
- George Washington University School of Medicine Washington District of Columbia
| | - Tara Biagi
- Ruth Paul Cancer Genetics and Prevention Service George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates Washington District of Columbia
| | - Elizabeth Stark
- Ruth Paul Cancer Genetics and Prevention Service George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates Washington District of Columbia
| | - Andrew D. Sparks
- Department of Surgery George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates Washington District of Columbia
| | - Kerry Johnson
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York New York
| | - Rebecca Kaltman
- Ruth Paul Cancer Genetics and Prevention Service Division of Hematology/Oncology George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates Washington District of Columbia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Halbert CH, McDonald JA, Magwood G, Jefferson M. Beliefs about Genetically Targeted Care in African Americans. J Natl Med Assoc 2017; 109:98-106. [PMID: 28599763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We examined beliefs about genetically targeted care (GTC) among African American men and women in a hospital-based sample and identified sociodemographic, cultural, and clinical factors having significant independent associations with these beliefs. Specifically, beliefs about GTC were evaluated after respondents were randomly primed with a racial or non-racial cue about race and genetics. Despite priming with a racial or non-racial cue, many respondents had positive beliefs about GTC. But, 49% believed that GTC would limit access to medical treatment, 46% believed that people will not trust GTC, and 20% believed that people like them would not benefit from GTC. Racial and non-racial priming did not have significant associations with negative beliefs about GTC. However, cultural beliefs related to temporal orientation were associated significantly with believing that genetically targeted care will limit access to medical treatment. Greater levels of future temporal orientation were associated with a reduced likelihood of endorsing this belief (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.49, 1.01, p = 0.05). Respondents who had a chronic medical condition had an almost three-fold greater likelihood of believing that they would not benefit from GTC (OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.00, 8.37, p = 0.05). Greater exposure to information about genetic testing for chronic conditions was also associated with a reduced likelihood of believing that they would not benefit from GTC (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.64, 0.91, p = 0.02). African Americans have diverse beliefs about GTC that should be considered as genetic and genomic services are offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chanita Hughes Halbert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Health Equity and Rural Outreach Center, Ralph H. Johnson Department of Medical Affairs, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Jasmine A McDonald
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gayenell Magwood
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Melanie Jefferson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Diaz VA, Mainous AG, Gavin JK, Wilson D. Racial differences in attitudes toward personalized medicine. Public Health Genomics 2013; 17:1-6. [PMID: 24080914 DOI: 10.1159/000354785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Patient concerns regarding personalized medicine may limit its use. This study assesses racial differences in attitudes toward personalized medicine, evaluating variables that may influence these attitudes. METHODS A convenience sample of 190 adults (≥18 years) from an academic primary care practice was surveyed regarding awareness and acceptance of personalized medicine, plus concerns and benefits regarding its use. Logistic regressions predicting awareness, acceptance and concerns were performed, controlling for race, gender, marital status, education, children, internet use, and self-reported discrimination. RESULTS The sample was 35% non-Hispanic white (NHW) and 34.7% male. More NHW participants expressed acceptance of personalized medicine than non-Hispanic black (NHB) participants (94.4 vs. 81.9%, p = 0.0190). More NHBs were concerned about the use of genes without consent (57.3 vs. 20.6%, p < 0.0001), sharing genetic information without consent (65.0 vs. 35.6%, p < 0.0001), discrimination based on genes (62.4 vs. 34.3%, p = 0.0002), and lack of access due to cost (75.0 vs. 48.0%, p = 0.0002). In logistic regressions, NHBs (OR = 7.46, 95% CI = 3.04-18.32) and those self-reporting discrimination (OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.22-6.78) had more concerns about the misuse of genes and costs associated with personalized medicine. CONCLUSION Racial differences exist in attitudes toward personalized medicine and may be influenced by self-reported discrimination. Further study to understand factors influencing the acceptance of personalized medicine could help encourage its use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V A Diaz
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, S.C., USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Phelan JC, Link BG, Feldman NM. The Genomic Revolution and Beliefs about Essential Racial Differences: A Backdoor to Eugenics? AMERICAN SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW 2013; 78:167-191. [PMID: 24855321 PMCID: PMC4026366 DOI: 10.1177/0003122413476034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Could the explosion of genetic research in recent decades affect our conceptions of race? In Backdoor to Eugenics, Duster argues that reports of specific racial differences in genetic bases of disease, in part because they are presented as objective facts whose social implications are not readily apparent, may heighten public belief in more pervasive racial differences. We tested this hypothesis with a multi-method study. A content analysis showed that news articles discussing racial differences in genetic bases of disease increased significantly between 1985 and 2008 and were significantly less likely than non-health-related articles about race and genetics to discuss social implications. A survey experiment conducted with a nationally representative sample of 559 adults found that a news-story vignette reporting a specific racial difference in genetic risk for heart attacks (the Backdoor Vignette) produced significantly greater belief in essential racial differences than did a vignette portraying race as a social construction or a no-vignette condition. The Backdoor Vignette produced beliefs in essential racial differences that were virtually identical to those produced by a vignette portraying race as a genetic reality. These results suggest that an unintended consequence of the genomic revolution may be the reinvigoration of age-old beliefs in essential racial differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruce G Link
- Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
|
6
|
Moran C, Thornburg CD, Barfield RC. Ethical considerations for pharmacogenomic testing in pediatric clinical care and research. Pharmacogenomics 2011; 12:889-95. [PMID: 21692618 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.10.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The information gained from pharmacogenomic testing is becoming increasingly recognized as an opportunity to improve our current dosing strategies for children. The identification of gene polymorphisms that influence drug disposition and effect can be used to help predict a child's susceptibility to toxicity and/or response to a particular drug or therapeutic regimen. However, the potential consequences of performing genomic analysis in children raise important ethical considerations. Although the level of risk introduced remains partially hypothetical, awareness of the ethical concerns and protective legislation will be an important part of fully informing patients, families, clinicians, and researchers about the risks and benefits of pharmacogenomic testing in children. Where it can be done without loss of benefit, risk reduction is a moral imperative, and so the ethical complexities related to pharmacogenomics must be addressed in an ongoing way as we continue to learn more about the value of the technology to children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Moran
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC Box 102382, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Haga SB, Tindall G, O'Daniel JM. Public perspectives about pharmacogenetic testing and managing ancillary findings. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2011; 16:193-7. [PMID: 22047505 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2011.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pharmacogenetic (PGx) tests are intended to improve therapeutic outcomes through predicting a patient's likelihood to respond to or experience an adverse effect from a specific treatment. In addition, PGx testing may also generate ancillary, or incidental, disease information unrelated to the purpose for which the test was ordered. To assess public attitudes toward PGx testing, ancillary disease risk information and related clinical issues, we conducted a series of focus groups. RESULTS Forty-five individuals recruited from Durham, NC, participated in four focus groups. Overall, participants were enthusiastic about PGx testing, though expressed concerns about privacy, confidentiality, and psychological harms associated with ancillary information. Focus group participants believed that physicians had a responsibility to disclose ancillary risk information, but were concerned about managing and coping with unexpected disease risk information. CONCLUSION We find that participants welcomed the integration of PGx testing into therapeutic decision-making. Public concerns about PGx testing and ancillary information specifically centered on personal implications of learning such additional information, suggesting that patient-provider discussion of the benefits and risks of testing will be necessary until public familiarity with these tests increases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne B Haga
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Haga SB, O'Daniel JM, Tindall GM, Lipkus IR, Agans R. Survey of US public attitudes toward pharmacogenetic testing. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2011; 12:197-204. [PMID: 21321582 PMCID: PMC3139751 DOI: 10.1038/tpj.2011.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To assess public attitudes and interest in pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing, we conducted a random-digit-dial telephone survey of US adults, achieving a response rate of 42% (n=1139). Most respondents expressed interest in PGx testing to predict mild or serious side effects (73±3.29 and 85±2.91%, respectively), guide dosing (91%) and assist with drug selection (92%). Younger individuals (aged 18-34 years) were more likely to be interested in PGx testing to predict serious side effects (vs aged 55+ years), as well as Whites, those with a college degree, and who had experienced side effects from medications. However, most respondents (78±3.14%) were not likely to have a PGx test if there was a risk that their DNA sample or test result could be shared without their permission. Given differences in interest among some groups, providers should clearly discuss the purpose of testing, alternative testing options (if available) and policies to protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S B Haga
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
White DB, Koehly LM, Omogbehin A, McBride CM. African Americans' responses to genetic explanations of lung cancer disparities and their willingness to participate in clinical genetics research. Genet Med 2010; 12:496-502. [PMID: 20613544 DOI: 10.1097/gim.0b013e3181e5e513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess whether reactions to genetic explanations for disparities in lung cancer incidence among family members of African American patients with lung cancer are associated with willingness to participate in clinical genetics research. METHODS Data are reported for 67 self-identified African Americans aged 18 to 55 years who completed a telephone survey assessing reactions to explanations (i.e., genetics, toxin exposure, menthol cigarettes, and race-related stress) for lung cancer disparities. Majority were female (70%), current smokers (57%), and patients' biological relatives (70%). RESULTS Family members rated the four explanations similarly, each as believable, fair, and not too worrisome. Participants also indicated a high level of willingness to participate in genetics research (M = 4.1 +/- 1.0; scale: 1-5). Endorsements of genetics explanations for disparities as believable and fair, and toxin exposure as believable were associated significantly with willingness to participate in genetics research. CONCLUSION These results suggest that strategies to encourage African Americans' participation in genetics research would do well to inform potential participants of how their involvement might be used to better understand important environmental factors that affect health disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Della Brown White
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2073, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The article describes the limited population diversity of genome-wide association studies and its resulting impact on the development of commercial genetic tests with restricted applicability and usefulness to certain groups, potentially increasing existing disparities. To enable development of new clinical tools applicable to all groups, much more focus is needed to engage minority communities to enroll in genetics or genomic research studies and on investigators to reach out to underrepresented communities.
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Race as a variable in pharmacogenomics science: from empirical ethics to publication standards. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2008; 18:837-41. [DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0b013e32830a48f3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
Huston SA, Hobson EH. Using focus groups to inform pharmacy research. Res Social Adm Pharm 2008; 4:186-205. [PMID: 18794031 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2007.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2007] [Revised: 09/10/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focus groups are a powerful research tool for collecting qualitative information across many contexts. The focus group offers pharmacy researchers benefits that support many of the important lines of investigation at the forefront of contemporary pharmacy-based research, particularly within the areas of patient compliance/concordance, customer behavior, patient-provider collaboration, health literacy research, and disease management. This article introduces the focus group as a research method that offers powerful investigative potential to researchers who are attempting to understand human-based phenomena. OBJECTIVES To provide sufficient background, examples, and how to information to enable a pharmacy researcher to include focus group methodologies in their initial design decisions, and provide guidance to additional resources necessary for successful implementation of this powerful qualitative approach. METHODS The article is organized into sections describing what a focus group is and what it can be used for; the unique benefits and drawbacks of using focus group methodology; organization and planning considerations including participant and recruitment considerations; and sampling strategies, session and question development, practical details of session management, and follow-up activities, including data analysis. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Although often considered quick and easy focus groups require thoughtful consideration of need and purpose, considerable planning, and effort to succeed. Because of the unique insight that can be gained, their flexibility, and their ability to mesh with other methods, focus group is gaining currency as an important research tool within health care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Huston
- University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA 30602-2351, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Geransar R, Einsiedel E. Evaluating online direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests: informed choices or buyers beware? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 12:13-23. [PMID: 18373401 DOI: 10.1089/gte.2007.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Commercialization of genetic technologies is expanding the horizons for the marketing and sales of genetic tests direct-to-consumers (DTCs). This study assesses the information provision and access requirements that are in place for genetic tests that are being advertised DTC over the Internet. Sets of key words specific to DTC genetic testing were entered into popular Internet search engines to generate a list of 24 companies engaging in DTC advertising. Company requirements for physician mediation, genetic counseling arrangements, and information provision were coded to develop categories for quantitative analysis within each variable. Results showed that companies offering risk assessment and diagnostic testing were most likely to require that testing be mediated by a clinician, and to recommend physician-arranged counseling. Companies offering enhancement testing were less likely to require physician mediation of services and more likely to provide long-distance genetic counseling. DTC advertisements often provided information on disease etiology; this was most common in the case of multifactorial diseases. The majority of companies cited outside sources to support the validity of claims about clinical utility of the tests being advertised; companies offering risk assessment tests most frequently cited all information sources. DTC advertising for genetic tests that lack independent professional oversight raises troubling questions about appropriate use and interpretation of these tests by consumers and carries implications for the standards of patient care. These implications are discussed in the context of a public healthcare system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Geransar
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Egalité N, Ozdemir V, Godard B. Pharmacogenomics research involving racial classification: qualitative research findings on researchers' views, perceptions and attitudes towards socioethical responsibilities. Pharmacogenomics 2008; 8:1115-26. [PMID: 17924827 DOI: 10.2217/14622416.8.9.1115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial classification of study samples has been a common practice since the early days of pharmacogenomics research. The use of race as an axis of stratification in the study of human genetic variation and population differences in drug response has come under intense scrutiny recently, particularly among policy makers, clinicians and researchers. However, there are no published empirical data on how genomics scientists perceive ethical concerns or view their own professional roles when they are confronted with this issue in their everyday practice or have to decide themselves whether racial classification should be a cornerstone of their research work. OBJECTIVES To investigate the views and perceptions of researchers on the use of racial classification in pharmacogenomics research using a qualitative research methodology. METHODS We interviewed genomics researchers about their perceptions on pharmacogenomics, race and science, population-based genomics research and the attendant implications for their professional duties. We sought out researchers who self-identified with many of the populations likely to be solicited for race-specific pharmacogenomics research. A thematic investigation of the semistructured interviews was undertaken using the qualitative data software program ATLAS.ti to extract and systematically analyze complex phenomena (e.g., professional viewpoints) embedded in the narratives from the interviews. RESULTS The participants expressed the 'doubled-edged' nature of pharmacogenomics research involving racial classification while also having a cautiously optimistic view of race-based therapeutics. They believed that pharmacogenomics could improve health outcomes for racially defined populations in the context of health disparities. Sensitized to racism and potential abuses, they expressed concerns and need for precautionary measures over the sensitive nature of racially categorized research results. On the other hand, researchers perceived themselves as being responsible primarily for providing raw scientific data. CONCLUSION Researchers engaged in genomics investigations appear to display a guarded and yet favorable perception on the utility of race in pharmacogenomics investigations. Interestingly, researchers remain sceptical of their own roles vis-à-vis ethics and delegating socioethical responsibilities to ethicists was seen as a way to remedy this shortfall instead of broadening the scope of self-governance in scientific practice to socioethical issues. While these data do not necessarily reflect views and attitudes of all scientists, future science policy questions on how best to integrate molecular genetics with race-based therapeutics and incorporation of socioethical reflection in daily practice of genomics research need to consider the perceptions of scientists and similar 'upstream control points' in the process of knowledge generation and dissemination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Egalité
- University of Montreal, Bioethics Programs, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, CP 6128, succ. centre-ville, Montreal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Caulfield T, Harry S. Popular representations of race: the news coverage of BiDil. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2008; 36:485-490. [PMID: 18840240 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-720x.2008.295.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The BiDil story offers an ideal opportunity to explore the nature and tone of media representations of race and genetics. For example, was a biological view of race emphasized? Or was the notion of race presented in a critical fashion?
Collapse
|
17
|
Bates BR. Care of the Self and Patient Participation in Genetic Discourse: A Foucauldian Reading of the Surgeon General's “My Family Health Portrait” Program. J Genet Couns 2005; 14:423-34. [PMID: 16502339 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-005-4845-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Critics of genetic discourse are concerned that deterministic and discriminatory views of genetics are increasingly becoming adopted. These views argue that current genetic discourse becomes a source of power whereby powerful institutions harm people with so-called "bad" genes. This essay argues that current analyses of the power of genetics discourse are grounded in an improper reading that disempowers patients. Deploying Michel Foucault's concept "care of the self," this essay claims that genetics discourse is better understood as a way that patients take on power through rhetoric rather than a force that has power over patients. Through a close reading of the "My Family Health Portrait" program, this paper argues that patients experience a process of "subjection" wherein they become agents of and objects of genetics discourse both. This alternative mode of analyzing the power of genetics discourse has implications for our collective understanding of the operations of the care of the self and the uses of genetic information that we propose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Bates
- School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, Lasher Hall, Athens, 45701, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kardia SLR, Wang C. The role of health education and behavior in public health genetics. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2005; 32:583-8. [PMID: 16252432 DOI: 10.1177/1090198105278560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This article highlights the important role of health behavior and health education (HBHE) research in public health genetics. Broadly defined, public health genetics is the integration of genetic advancements and technologies in the study and practice of public health. The potential role of HBHE within this area is presented across two intersecting continua--namely, the continuum between research and practice and the continuum between individual/personalized medicine and population health. The authors begin this article with an overview of current issues arising from the use of genetic information to improve the public's health and provide a framework for understanding the multidimensional role of HBHE research in translating genetic research into medical and public health practice. An introduction to the nine articles and two practice notes included in this special issue is also provided to draw attention to the crosscutting themes and issues presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L R Kardia
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health Genetics Program, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
There is a growing movement in medical genetics to develop, implement, and promote a model of race-based medicine. Although race-based medicine may become a widely disseminated standard of care, messages that advocate race-based selection for diagnosing, screening and prescribing drugs may exacerbate health disparities. These messages are present in clinical genetic counseling sessions, mass media, and everyday talk. Messages promoting linkages among genes, race, and health and messages emphasizing genetic causation may promote both general racism and genetically based racism. This mini-review examines research in three areas: studies that address the effects of these messages about genetics on levels of genetic determinism and genetic discrimination; studies that address the effects of these messages on attitudes about race; and, studies of the impacts of race-specific genetic messages on recipients. Following an integration of this research, this mini-review suggests that the current literature appears fragmented because of methodological and measurement issues and offers strategies for future research. Finally, the authors offer a path model to help organize future research examining the effects of messages about genetics on socioculturally based racism, genetically based racism, and unaccounted for racism. Research in this area is needed to understand and mitigate the negative attitudinal effects of messages that link genes, race, and health and/or emphasize genetic causation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Condit
- Department of Speech Communication, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bates BR, Lynch JA, Bevan JL, Condit CM. Warranted concerns, warranted outlooks: a focus group study of public understandings of genetic research. Soc Sci Med 2005; 60:331-44. [PMID: 15522489 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2004.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This paper discusses how the American public accounts for the concerns that they have about genetic research and the benefits that they foresee. We develop a general framework for discussing public claims about genetic technology based on Stephen Toulmin's model of warrants in argumentation. After a review of the results from public opinion polls about genetic research, we present a focus group study of public understandings of genetics. We outline the warrants, or publicly accepted "good reasons", that this group offers for accepting some aspects of genetic technology and for rejecting other aspects. The warrants presented by the public in their discussion of genetic research indicate that the public has a complex, informed understanding of genetic research, albeit a non-technical one. The paper concludes with a discussion of the importance of public participation in debates over genetic research and the ways that researchers and policymakers could adapt to public concerns about genetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Bates
- School of Communication Studies, Lasher Hall, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Evans W. Bibliography. Health communication. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2005; 18:97-102. [PMID: 15918792 DOI: 10.1207/s15327027hc1801_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William Evans
- Institute for Communication and Information Research, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa 35487-0172, USA.
| |
Collapse
|