Texas health educators' practice in basic genomics education and services

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Genomics Education
• Health Communication

Background:

• Health educators (HEs) possess potential for public genomics education.
• Current genomics education and service provision by HEs is largely undocumented.
• This study investigates HEs' capacity for basic genomics education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the genomics knowledge and practice of health educators in Texas.
• To examine health educators' intentions, attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers regarding genomics education.
• To identify factors influencing health educators' engagement in genomics education.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 662 health educators in Texas.
• The survey instrument was based on established health behavior theories.
• Data were collected on practice, intention, attitudes, self-efficacy, knowledge, and barriers.

Main Results:

• Only 182 health educators completed the survey.
• Most respondents reported infrequent or no provision of basic genomics education/services.
• Practice was positively associated with intention and prior genomics training.
• Intention was linked to self-efficacy and attitudes, both correlated with training.

Conclusions:

• Health educators in Texas demonstrate limited practice in providing basic genomics education/services.
• Prior genomics training is a significant factor associated with current practice.
• Implementing continuing education programs may enhance health educators' capacity and practice in genomics education.