270696 Introducing genomics to African Americans through the use of family health history

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Cynthia Seaborn, DrPh(c) , CRS Network, Inc., Tallahassee, FL
Sandra Suther, PhD , Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Melvena Wilson, DrPh , Center for Advocacy and Research on Health Equity, Tallahassee, FL
Introduction: The literature is fairly consistent that African Americans are at high risk for many chronic diseases. Many of the chronic diseases center on dietary and lifestyle choices. Family Health History information can help to identify people who may have a higher risk for certain diseases. Family Health History information is a component of public health genomics which can also assist researchers and individuals identify and evaluate current health behaviors related to chronic disease. Genomics and family health history may aid researchers and practitioners in developing effective screening tools and interventions to improve health outcomes. Method: The purpose of this study was to conduct research to determine if the implementation of a culturally competent family health history tool can identify genetic links to chronic disease in African American families. The conceptual framework utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior to assess individual member's preventative health behaviors via surveys and focus groups. Results: African Americans from faith-based organizations completed the family health history tool. All participants received preventative health education and counseling regarding their family health history risk assessment. Conclusion: The Theory of Planned Behavior identifies the motivation for seeking or maintaining preventative health behavior once faced with the knowledge of family health history.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Basic medical science applied in public health
Chronic disease management and prevention
Diversity and culture
Public health or related education
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1.Evaluate family health history in a culturally competent manner. 2.Identify patterns in the family history that might indicate increased risk of develop for chronic diseases.

Keywords: Genetics, Family Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked in the field of Public Health for over ten years. My doctoral research will focus on genomics through the use of the family health history tools.
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.