Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
05:53
Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
Educating the general public about multifactorial genetic disease: applying a theory-based framework to understand
Chris M R Smerecnik1, Ilse Mesters, Nanne K de Vries
1School for Public Health and Primary Care (Caphri), Department of Health Education and Promotion, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. c.smerecnik@gvo.unimaas.nl
Summary
Understanding public knowledge of genetic risk factors for multifactorial diseases is crucial. A framework categorizing knowledge into awareness, how-to, and principles can precisely identify gaps for targeted genetic education campaigns.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Public Health
- Health Communication
Background:
- Public understanding of genetic risk factors for multifactorial diseases is essential for informed health decisions.
- Current assessments of public knowledge may lack the granularity to inform effective health communication strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply E. M. Rogers' knowledge framework to analyze public knowledge of genetic risk factors for multifactorial diseases.
- To identify specific types of knowledge gaps (awareness, how-to, principles) within the general public regarding genetic risk.
- To explore the utility of this framework for designing targeted public health interventions and genetic education programs.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using major scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO) from January 1990 to January 2007.
- Searches included reference list and author searches to ensure comprehensive article identification.
- The retrieved literature was analyzed through the lens of E. M. Rogers' three types of knowledge: awareness, how-to, and principles.
Main Results:
- The literature review indicated that current public knowledge regarding genetic risk factors for multifactorial diseases is generally limited.
- The application of Rogers' framework revealed specific deficiencies across awareness, how-to, and principles knowledge domains.
- The framework proved effective in precisely identifying nuances and limitations in public understanding.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing between awareness, how-to, and principles knowledge offers a more sophisticated understanding of public knowledge gaps.
- The knowledge framework is a valuable tool for assessing public understanding of complex health information like genetic risk.
- This approach can guide the development of more precise and effective public health campaigns and genetic education initiatives.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:29Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...