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Scott DM, Thomas VG, Otado J, Rockcliffe F, Olopoenia O, Johnson D, Callier S. Attitudes and experiences regarding genetic research among persons of African descent. J Community Genet 2019; 11:65-72. [PMID: 31062230 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-019-00422-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Minorities are underrepresented in genetic research. This study examined the attitudes, experiences, and willingness of persons of African descent related to participation in genetic research. A total of 272 persons of African descent completed a questionnaire about attitudes and experiences associated with genetic research. Descriptive, Chi-square, and logistic regression were used to examine the impact of attitudes and experiences in predicting the odds of willingness to participate in genetic research. A majority of participants (97%) indicated that they have never participated in genetic research; however, a majority also reported that they would be willing to participate in a genetic study specifically for the detection of risk factors for cancer (87%), diabetes (89%), alcohol use disorder (73%), and Alzheimer's disease (88%). Participants who disagreed that "results from genetic research can explain why some diseases are found more often in some ethnic groups than others" were less likely to be willing to participate in studies related to cancer (OR = 0.16), diabetes (OR = .16), alcohol use disorder (OR = 0.27), and Alzheimer's disease (OR = 0.27). Participants reported limited experiences engaging in genetic research; yet, they overwhelmingly acknowledged the importance of genetic research and expressed willingness to participate in multifactorial genetic studies despite concerns about genetic discrimination, stigma, and/or a potentially poor prognosis. Further research on the underlying reasons why persons of African descent choose to participate in genetic research should be explored and addressed to make research more inclusive and ethically sound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M Scott
- Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W Street NW, Suite 3408, Washington, DC, 20059, USA.
| | - Veronica G Thomas
- Department of Human Development and Psychoeducational Studies, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jane Otado
- College of Medicine, Community Health and Family Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Faun Rockcliffe
- Department of Human Development and Psychoeducational Studies, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Dietrich Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shawneequa Callier
- Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.,Special Volunteer, Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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McBride CM. Translation research to apply genomics to improve health promotion: Is it worth the investment? Transl Behav Med 2018; 8:54-58. [PMID: 29385586 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibx051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M McBride
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Cain GE, Kalu N, Kwagyan J, Marshall VJ, Ewing AT, Bland WP, Hesselbrock V, Taylor RE, Scott DM. Beliefs and Preferences for Medical Research Among African-Americans. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2015; 3:74-82. [PMID: 26896107 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-015-0117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Numerous factors contribute to underrepresentation of African-Americans in medical research, including beliefs, historical events, structural, and health access obstacles. This study examined beliefs about medical research and the types of study methods preferred among potential African-American research participants. METHODS A sample of 304 African-American participants from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, completed a survey evaluating beliefs about medical research and preferred research study methods. Multiple Regression analyses were performed to examine how age, gender, and education may influence these beliefs and preferences for research study methods. RESULTS The beliefs and preferences surveyed did not differ by age, gender, or educational attainment. There was an overwhelmingly favorable belief (90 %) that medical research was necessary and assists in finding a cure for a disease. Most respondents preferred participating in research related to issues with which they were familiar (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) or working with researchers of a similar ethnic background to themselves. Interestingly, though nonsignificant, those with higher levels of educational trended toward the belief that participation in research was risky. CONCLUSION The findings of this study indicate that certain beliefs about medical research participation and preferred study methodologies reported by African-Americans did not differ by age, gender, or level of education. This information about African-American's beliefs and preferences regarding medical research should lead to an awareness of potential gains in African-American participation through the development of culturally sensitive medical research studies and methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria E Cain
- College of Medicine, Alcohol Research Center, Howard University, 520 W St. N.W. Suite 3408, Washington, DC, 20059, USA.
| | - Nnenna Kalu
- College of Medicine, Alcohol Research Center, Howard University, 520 W St. N.W. Suite 3408, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - John Kwagyan
- College of Medicine, Alcohol Research Center, Howard University, 520 W St. N.W. Suite 3408, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - Vanessa J Marshall
- College of Medicine, Alcohol Research Center, Howard University, 520 W St. N.W. Suite 3408, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - Altovise T Ewing
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Walter P Bland
- College of Medicine, Alcohol Research Center, Howard University, 520 W St. N.W. Suite 3408, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - Victor Hesselbrock
- College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Robert E Taylor
- College of Medicine, Alcohol Research Center, Howard University, 520 W St. N.W. Suite 3408, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - Denise M Scott
- College of Medicine, Alcohol Research Center, Howard University, 520 W St. N.W. Suite 3408, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
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Ewing A, Thompson N, Ricks-Santi L. Strategies for enrollment of African Americans into cancer genetic studies. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2015; 30:108-115. [PMID: 24882437 PMCID: PMC4254900 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-014-0669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The enrollment of ethnically diverse populations in genetic and genomic research is vital to the parity of benefits resulting from research with biological specimens. Herein, we discuss strategies that may effectively improve the recruitment of African Americans into genetics studies. Specifically, we show that engaging physicians, genetic counselors, and community members is essential to enrolling participants into genetic studies. We demonstrate the impact of utilizing African American genetic counselors on study enrollment rates and implementing a two-page consent form that improved on a lengthy and inefficient consenting process. Lastly, we provided participants with the option of donating saliva instead of blood for study purposes. Descriptive statistics were used. Using the aforementioned strategies, recruitment goals for the Genetic Basis of Breast Cancer Subtype Study at Howard University (HU) were met. Our overall results yielded 182 participants in 18 months. Recruitment strategies that involve the engagement of physicians, genetic counselors, and community members may help researchers increase the enrollment of ethnically diverse and hard-to-reach participants into genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altovise Ewing
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway St., Room 904, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nicole Thompson
- Cancer Genetics Program, Howard University Cancer Center, Howard University Hospital, 2041 Georgia Avenue, NW #219, Washington, DC 20060, USA
| | - Luisel Ricks-Santi
- Cancer Research Center, Hampton University, 39 Tyler Street, Hampton, VA 23668, USA
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Jaja C, Gibson R, Quarles S. Advancing genomic research and reducing health disparities: what can nurse scholars do? J Nurs Scholarsh 2013; 45:202-9. [PMID: 23452096 DOI: 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2012.01482.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advances in genomic research are improving our understanding of human diseases and evoking promise of an era of genomic medicine. It is unclear whether genomic medicine may exacerbate or attenuate extant racial group health disparities. We delineate how nurse scholars could engage in the configuration of an equitable genomic medicine paradigm. ORGANIZING CONSTRUCT We identify as legitimate subjects for nursing scholarship the scientific relevance, ethical, and public policy implications for employing racial categories in genomic research in the context of reducing extant health disparities. FINDINGS Since genomic research is largely population specific, current classification of genomic data will center on racial and ethnic groups. Nurse scholars should be involved in clarifying how putative racial group differences should be elucidated in light of the current orthodoxy that genomic solutions may alleviate racial health disparities. CONCLUSIONS Nurse scholars are capable of employing their expertise in concept analysis to elucidate how race is used as a variable in scientific research, and to use knowledge brokering to delineate how race variables that imply human ancestry could be utilized in genomic research pragmatically in the context of health disparities. CLINICAL RELEVANCE In an era of genomic medicine, nurse scholars should recognize and understand the challenges and complexities of genomics and race and their relevance to health care and health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheedy Jaja
- College of Nursing-Biobehavioral Nursing, Georgia Health Sciences University, College of Nursing, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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Haga SB, Rosanbalm KD, Boles L, Tindall GM, Livingston TM, O'Daniel JM. Promoting public awareness and engagement in genome sciences. J Genet Couns 2013; 22:508-16. [PMID: 23435715 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-013-9577-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Public understanding of genetic concepts and associated ethical and policy issues can enable informed deliberation and decision-making. Effective strategies for increasing public understanding involve providing forums incorporating the unique perspectives and attitudes of the public, while allowing opportunities to learn first-hand from scientists about genome research and related applications. Through a partnership between the Duke Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy (IGSP) and the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC, we developed and piloted a program aimed to bridge the concepts of formal (public school) and informal (community-based science museum) science learning with the experiential context of family and participatory learning. Called Genome Diner, we piloted the program with 40 genetic/genomic researchers, 76 middle school students and their parents (n = 83) from Durham, NC. Program impact was assessed via pre/post surveys for each participant group. Following participation, parents were significantly more likely to correctly interpret the implications of a genome research finding, and both students and parents indicated higher interest in research as well as higher confidence in accessing and understanding genome research. Genetic literacy of parents and students was not affected by participation in the program, likely due to the relatively high knowledge scores pre-Diner: 88.3 % and 78.5 %, respectively. The interactive format of Genome Diner provided an opportunity for students and parents to explore and discuss interests and issues about genomic research alongside genome scientists, positively influencing attitudes toward genetic research and researchers themselves. These interactions are critical for maintaining public interest and knowledge about genomic research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne B Haga
- Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, Duke University, 304 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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Hall MJ, Manne SL, Myers RE, Keenan EM, Balshem AM, Weinberg DS. Predictors of patient uptake of colorectal cancer gene environment risk assessment. Genome Med 2012. [PMID: 23194586 PMCID: PMC3580425 DOI: 10.1186/gm393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In an ongoing clinical trial, the genetic and environmental risk assessment (GERA) blood test offers subjects information about personal colorectal cancer risk through measurement of two novel low-to-moderate risk factors. We sought to examine predictors of uptake of the GERA blood test among participants randomized to the Intervention arm. Methods Primary care patients aged 50 to 74 years eligible for colorectal cancer screening are randomized to receive a mailed stool blood test kit to complete at home (Control) or to the control condition plus an in-office blood test called GERA that includes assessment of red blood cell folate and DNA-testing for two MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (Intervention). For the present study, baseline survey data are examined in participants randomized to the Intervention. Results The first 351 intervention participants (161 African American/190 white) were identified. Overall, 249 (70.9%) completed GERA testing. Predictors of GERA uptake included race (African American race, odds ratio (OR) 0.51 (0.29 to 0.87)), and being more knowledgeable about GERA and colorectal cancer screening (OR 1.09 (1.01 to 1.18)). Being married (OR 1.81 (1.09 to 3.00)) was also significant in the multivariable model. Conclusions Participant uptake of GERA testing was high. GERA uptake varied, however, according to socio-demographic background and knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hall
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19038, USA
| | - Sharon L Manne
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Ronald E Myers
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jefferson Medical College, 1025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Eileen M Keenan
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19038, USA
| | - Andrew M Balshem
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19038, USA
| | - David S Weinberg
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19038, USA
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