Genomics web-based training for Texas health educators: Improved knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, intention, and practice

Background: The Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society (SACGHS), Department of Health & Human Services, recently published a genetics education and training report to address the needs to build up a public health professional genomics workforce. To address this issue, we have developed the first genomics Web-based training for Texas health educators holding (Master) Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES/CHES) designation. We chose family health history (FHH) and cancer as the theme for this first program based on the previous needs assessment data and the requirements from our funding agency. This study presents its evaluation findings.

Methods: We sent three e-mails and two post cards to invite 544 eligible Texas health educators holding MCHES/CHES designation to register and take the genomics Web-based training. A total of 207 Texas health educators completed the pre-assessment surveys, 173 finished taking the FHH training modules and post-assessment surveys, and 137 later completed the three-month follow-up survey.

Results: Approximately 40% of participants were racial/ethnic minorities. Participants' knowledge, attitudes, intention, and self-efficacy regarding FHH education were significantly higher at post-test and three-month follow-up compared to pre-test. Compared to the pre-test, three-month follow-up data showed a significant improvement in participants' FHH practice.

Conclusions and discussion: This first-of-its-kind genomics Web-based training meets the needs raised by the SACGHS. The success of this Web-based genomics training can serve as a model to guide future genomics education programs for health educators and other public health professionals.