142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Perspectives of Hispanic Americans on Genetics and its Association with Type 2 Diabetes

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Tuesday, November 18, 2014 : 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM

Jie Hu, PhD, RN , School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Sheryl L. Coley, DPH , Department of Public Health Education, UNC Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Background: Hispanic Americans suffer disproportionately from type 2 diabetes. While recent studies of type 2 diabetes have identified associations with genetic markers for type 2 diabetes and the importance of using genetic information in prevention and diabetes self-management, little is known about Hispanics’ perceptions of genetics and diabetes. The study explored these perceptions among Hispanic adults.

Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted in communities in Northeast of the United States.  A convenience sample of 36 Hispanic adults (n=33 with diabetes, n=33 healthy) participated the study.  Semi-structured interview questions were used to explore perceptions of genetic link to type 2 diabetes.

Results: Both groups of participants identified little knowledge about genetics and its association with diabetes. Few participants perceived genetic testing as important in diabetes prevention. The majority had never heard about genetics and its association with diabetes. Most participants perceived genetic testing as good for identification of diabetes. The majority participants expressed that they wanted to learn more about genetics in prevention of diabetes.  

Conclusions: Hispanic American adults lack knowledge about genetics and prevention of diabetes. Public health nurses play an important role in prevention of diabetes. Diabetes educational programs should include information about genetics in prevention of type 2 diabetes for Hispanic minority groups.

Learning Areas:

Diversity and culture

Learning Objectives:
Describe perceptions of genetics and its association with type 2 diabetes in Hispanic Americans. Discuss role of public health nurses in prevention of diabetes and education for Hispanic minority groups.

Keyword(s): Disasters, Genetics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been funded by the NIH on Hispanics with type 2 diabetes and conducted studies in this area for more than 10 years. I have published over 50 articles including diabetes in Hispanic minority groups in peer-reviewed journals.
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.

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