Jill Morris1, Marta Gwinn, Mindy Clyne, Muin J Khoury. 1. Office of Genetics and Disease Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS K-28, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724, USA. jmorris1@cdc.gov
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Diseases thought to be caused by exposure to environmental factors are also influenced by genetic susceptibility. It is not clear to what extent the public recognizes the role of genetics in causing these diseases. METHODS: We asked 2,353 people in a national survey to indicate their level of agreement with statements about the genetic contribution to four health conditions typically considered to be environmentally induced. RESULTS: 206 (9%) respondents believed that genetic susceptibility contributes to all four health conditions, while 751 (32%) believed that genetics plays no role in causing any of the conditions. Respondents were more likely to believe that genetics contributes to adverse drug reactions and smoking-related illnesses than to infectious diseases and diseases resulting from exposure to environmental agents. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the public views genetic susceptibility as playing only a limited role in human disease induced by environmental factors. Increasing awareness of the role of genetic factors in these diseases will be necessary for translating gene discovery into effective personal and public health actions. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel
OBJECTIVE: Diseases thought to be caused by exposure to environmental factors are also influenced by genetic susceptibility. It is not clear to what extent the public recognizes the role of genetics in causing these diseases. METHODS: We asked 2,353 people in a national survey to indicate their level of agreement with statements about the genetic contribution to four health conditions typically considered to be environmentally induced. RESULTS: 206 (9%) respondents believed that genetic susceptibility contributes to all four health conditions, while 751 (32%) believed that genetics plays no role in causing any of the conditions. Respondents were more likely to believe that genetics contributes to adverse drug reactions and smoking-related illnesses than to infectious diseases and diseases resulting from exposure to environmental agents. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the public views genetic susceptibility as playing only a limited role in human disease induced by environmental factors. Increasing awareness of the role of genetic factors in these diseases will be necessary for translating gene discovery into effective personal and public health actions. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel
Authors: Abebayehu Tora; Desta Ayode; Getnet Tadele; David Farrell; Gail Davey; Colleen M McBride Journal: Int Health Date: 2016-04-24 Impact factor: 2.473