title: Motivating intentions to adopt risk-reducing behaviours for chronic diseases: impact of a public health tool for collecting family health histories.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the genomics era the use of valid and reliable tools for the collection of family health histories is proposed as a strategy for identifying those at higher risk of chronic disease and increasing the adoption of risk-modifying behaviours.This study investigated the impact of a collection tool for a Family Health History Program in Western Australia upon uptake of key health messages and intentions to adopt risk-reducing behaviours for chronic diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Initially a baseline population survey (n=1009) was undertaken to assess the collection of family health histories among adults and identify target populations for the tool. A targeted intercept survey (n=606) was then conducted with women to assess the tool.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Around half the respondents indicated they were motivated to adopt one or more risk-reducing behaviours as a result of their exposure to the tool.The odds of being motivated to do something related to family health history were significantly greater for women who liked the too (AdjOR=3.1,95%Cl 2.1 4.5 ), thought it conveyed useful information (AdjOR=5.0, 95%Cl 2.6-9.6), perceived family history to be more important than before they read the tool (AdjOR=3.4, 95%Cl 2.3-4.9) and had not previously collected family health history information (AdjOR=1.8, 95%Cl 1.1-3.0).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At a whole-of-population level most adults consider family health history important, but few have actually recorded this information. The tool raised awareness of the importance of family health histories to personal health and was considered personally useful by most respondents.
authors: Department of Health, East Perth, Western Australia. caron.molster@health.wa.gov.au
authors: Caron
authors: C
authors: Molster
authors: Gaenor
authors: G
authors: Kyne
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: O'Leary
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors; D014904:Western Australia; D055815:Young Adult