An Assessment of Risk Understanding in Hispanic Genetic Counseling Patients

Journal of Genetic Counseling (Vol. 14, No. 4)

Authors:
Jennifer N. Eichmeyer (1), Hope Northrup (1), Michael A. Assel (2), Thomas J. Goka (3), Dennis A. Johnston (4) and Aimee Tucker Williams (1, 5)

Affiliations:
(1) Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Texas
(2) Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Texas
(3) Dean’s Office, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas - Houston Health Science Center, Texas
(4) Department of Biomathematics, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
(5) 6431 Fannin, Houston, Texas, 77030

Abstract:
This study sought to identify if differences existed in risk comprehension and risk format understanding between genetic counseling patients of Hispanic and Caucasian ethnicity. A total of 107 questionnaires were collected, 56 from Hispanic patients, and 51 from Caucasian controls. Of the total population 41.1% (44/107) could not demonstrate sufficient risk understanding, which was 71.4% (40/56) of Hispanics and 7.8% (4/51) of Caucasians. Fractions were the best-understood format for all participants. However, both Hispanics and Caucasians had difficulties with the percentage risk format. Discrepancies were also noted in qualitative word format understanding. Awareness of differences in risk comprehension may affect the selection of counseling techniques and strategies utilized by genetic counselors when educating patients about risk related information.

Contact:

Aimee Tucker Williams
Email: aimee.j.tucker@uth.tmc.edu

(C) Journal of Genetic Counseling.

Posted by: Tressie Dalaya

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