Public knowledge regarding the role of genetic susceptibility to environmentally induced health conditions.
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.
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
Jill
J
Morris
Marta
M
Gwinn
Mindy
M
Clyne
Muin J
MJ
Khoury
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged