Oral

Research to increase our understanding about the use of genetic information by the public is critical as the field of genomics advances further into the public health realm. Assessing pre-existing genetic knowledge and beliefs, and how these may differ among sociodemographic subgroups, is a vital step towards understanding how individuals may respond to new genetic information. Individuals from different cohorts may respond differently to information regarding genetic susceptibility for a condition or disease. This session includes presentations on both communications about and understanding of genetic information. The utility of a toolkit (Does It Run in the Family?) in facilitating discussion within families and with healthcare providers about family health history is examined. Additionally, the impact of both age and reported racial background on understanding of genetics will also be explored. Finally, a report on the factors influencing interest in SNP testing for colon cancer risk will be given. Implications for the development of public health policy about how to best communicate genetic information will be presented.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss the public health benefits of promoting knowledge of family health history through use of a tool (Does It Run In the Family? Toolkit) to facilitate conversations about health within the family and with a healthcare provider. 2. Describe differences in the levels of health literacy, genetic knowledge, and genetic causal beliefs among individuals in different age cohorts and between self-identified black and white Americans understand genetics. 3. Identify the factors which affect interest in SNP testing for colon cancer, and the impact of risk communication on these factors.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)