260876 Effect of Family Context on African American Women's Use of Family Health History Tools

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Tess Thompson, MPH, MPhil , Health Communication Research Laboratory, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Aimee S. James, PhD, MPH, MA , Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Joann Seo, BA , Health Communication Research Laboratory, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Julia Griffith, BSW , Health Communication Research Laboratory, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Erin Thimmesch , Health Communication Research Laboratory, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Melanie Baxter, ScM , Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Kimberly Kaphingst, ScD , Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Background: Few U.S. adults collect and record family health history (FHH) information, which is critical for tailoring disease prevention and screening recommendations. Most FHH research has involved primarily White participants; research is needed on improving collection of FHH information among African Americans. In this study, we examined family context and other possible predictors of using FHH tools among African American women. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, we interviewed 32 African American women, half of whom had a previous cancer diagnosis. An in-person interview focused on family context, family communication about health, and reactions to a FHH tool. Participants chose one of two FHH tools to take home. A follow-up call three weeks later assessed whether participants had used the tool to collect FHH information. Results: All participants thought knowing FHH was “very” or “somewhat” important. Although 56% had collected some FHH information previously, only 28% had recorded it. Women were most likely to talk about health with female family members. Participants also reported that distant relationships with family members (often on the paternal side) and generational differences in sharing health information could be barriers to collecting FHH. Participants highlighted sharing information with future generations as a use for a written FHH. At follow-up, 60% reported using their selected FHH tool. Discussion: Findings highlighted family communication issues that could affect collecting FHH information. Efforts to promote health and wellness across the lifespan and across generations by improving FHH collection among African Americans must take into account familial and cultural contexts.

Learning Areas:
Communication and informatics
Diversity and culture
Public health or related education
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Explain importance of family context and other factors on the collection and use of family health history information among African American women. Discuss family communication issues that affect the collection of family health history information among African American women.

Keywords: Health Promotion, Health Communications

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been a research assistant on this study since recruitment began and have received training in quantitative and qualitative research. I am currently an MPH student at Washington University in St. Louis studying cancer, women's health, and health disparities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.