Research and practice opportunities at the intersection of health education, health behavior, and genomics.
Researchers and practitioners in health behavior and health education (HBHE) can play a pivotal leadership role in the integration of genomic advances to improve the public's health. The purpose of this article is to outline research and practice opportunities at the intersection of genomics and HBHE. We begin this article by briefly summarizing the existing evidence in the literature pertaining to the public's use of genetic services, the effectiveness of genetic counseling, and the impact of genetic testing. Following this, we outline and expand on several areas that we believe are ripe for further exploration, understanding, and public health application:(a) public understanding of genetic information, (b) interventions for health behavior change, and (c) public health assurance and advocacy. This analysis has identified the need to consider potential application efforts in genomics and HBHE from an ecological perspective, with an emphasis on multiple levels of intervention and analysis.
Wang
Catharine
C
Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, and Michigan Center for Genomics and Public Health School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. Catharine.Wang@fccc.edu
Bowen
Deborah J
DJ
Kardia
Sharon L R
SL
D005817:Genetic Counseling; D036281:Genetic Research; D033142:Genetic Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005820:Genetic Testing; D023281:Genomics; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D011635:Public Health Administration; D011639:Public Opinion