Sarah E Boland1, Richard L Street2,3, Susan Persky1. 1. Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute 31 Center Drive, B1B36, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. 2. Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, 4234 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4234, USA. 3. Department of Houston Center for Quality Care & Utilization Studies Section for Health Services Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract
Aim: This report explores the process of weight-related genomic information provision considering patient race as an important potential moderator of patient response. Methods: Health beliefs and perceived stigma were assessed following provision of genomic (versus behavioral) information by a virtual reality-based physician using either a supportive or directive communication style. Participants included 168 women with overweight. Results: Genomic explanations, combined with supportive communication, resulted in some improved health behavior-related and interpersonal outcomes for white patients, but not black participants. Black participants, on average, did not have diminished outcomes when provided with genomic information. Conclusion: Genomic communications may elicit more positive interpersonal responses than behavioral explanations among both majority and minority populations, but these effects may be moderated by patient race.
Aim: This report explores the process of weight-related genomic information provision considering patient race as an important potential moderator of patient response. Methods: Health beliefs and perceived stigma were assessed following provision of genomic (versus behavioral) information by a virtual reality-based physician using either a supportive or directive communication style. Participants included 168 women with overweight. Results: Genomic explanations, combined with supportive communication, resulted in some improved health behavior-related and interpersonal outcomes for white patients, but not black participants. Black participants, on average, did not have diminished outcomes when provided with genomic information. Conclusion: Genomic communications may elicit more positive interpersonal responses than behavioral explanations among both majority and minority populations, but these effects may be moderated by patient race.
Authors: Charles R Jonassaint; Eunice R Santos; Crystal M Glover; Perry W Payne; Grace-Ann Fasaye; Nefertiti Oji-Njideka; Stanley Hooker; Wenndy Hernandez; Morris W Foster; Rick A Kittles; Charmaine D Royal Journal: Hum Genet Date: 2010-06-13 Impact factor: 4.132