Utilizing Genomics through Family Health History with the Theory of Planned Behavior: Prediction of Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors and Preventive Behavior in an African American Population in Florida

作者：Seaborn Cynthia; Suther Sandra; Lee Torhonda; Kiros Gebre Egziabher; Becker Alan; Campbell Ellen; Collins Robinson Jackie

来源：Public Health Genomics, 2016, 19(2): 69-80.

DOI：10.1159/000443471

<jats:p>&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Aim:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; African Americans are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess to what extent African Americans' knowledge and awareness of family health history and related risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes influence their likelihood of adopting a preventive behavior. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; This study employed an anonymous pencil-and-paper, self-administered survey consisting of two sections. Section 1 was a modified version of the US Surgeon General's Family Health History Initiative and the American Diabetes Association Diabetes Risk Factor Survey. Section 2 of the survey was based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior. Over 394 African American participants completed the survey. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; ‘Perceived behavioral control' was the strongest predictor of ‘likelihood of adopting preventive behavior'. Participants were aware of their family history as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but it was not a significant predictor of behavior modifications based on that knowledge. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The lack of perceived risk in this population shows the importance of not only knowing one's risk factors but translating those risk factors to a more personalized form that fits into the current lifestyle of the individual in a meaningful way.</jats:p>