Abstract
This article examines the beliefs and experiences of individuals living in underserved ethnically diverse communities in Cleveland, Ohio, regarding the influence of genetic, social, and environmental factors on health and health inequalities. Using a community-engaged methodological approach, 13 focus groups were conducted with African American, Hispanic, and White individuals residing in the Cleveland area to explore attitudes and beliefs about genetics, genetic research, and health disparities and inequalities. Results of this study highlight the range of meanings that individuals attach to genetic variation, genomic research, and gene–environment interactions, and their implications for addressing health inequalities. The majority of participants in all focus groups reported that social and environmental factors were more important than genetics in contributing to health inequalities. Most participants were unfamiliar with genetic research. These data have implications for how genetic information and research might be applied in conjunction with addressing social determinants of health to improve prevention strategies in underserved communities and ultimately reduce health inequalities.
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Acknowledgments
This study was supported by an NIH grant from the Center for Minority Health and the National Human Genome Research Institute (1RC1HG005789-01). The authors are grateful to Michele Abraham and the Case Center for Reducing Health Disparities, as well as members of our Community Advisory Board and Community Partners Network, for their support and assistance in developing, executing, and disseminating findings from this study. We also want to thank all of the individuals who participated in this study.
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Goldenberg, A.J., Hartmann, C.D., Morello, L. et al. Gene–environment interactions and health inequalities: views of underserved communities. J Community Genet 4, 425–434 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-013-0143-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-013-0143-3