Stratifying empiric risk of schizophrenia among first degree relatives using multiple predictors in two independent Indian samples.

Background: Schizophrenia (SZ) has an estimated heritability of 64-88%, with the higher values based on twin studies. Conventionally, family history of psychosis is the best individual-level predictor of risk, but reliable risk estimates are unavailable for Indian populations. Genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors are equally important and should be considered when predicting risk in 'at risk' individuals.

A comparative study of health locus of control in patients with schizophrenia and their first degree relatives.

Background And Aims: An individual's behaviour may be predicted from their beliefs about their locus of control (attribution). A person's "locus" can be internal or external. The present study aimed at comparing the locus of control as measured by Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) in patients with schizophrenia and their healthy first degree relatives.

Using a family history intervention to improve cancer risk perception in a black community.

Few studies examine the use of family history to influence risk perceptions in the African American population. This study examined the influence of a family health history (FHH) intervention on risk perceptions for breast (BRCA), colon (CRC), and prostate cancers (PRCA) among African Americans in Pittsburgh, PA. Participants (n = 665) completed pre- and post-surveys and FHHs.

Attitudes and beliefs of African-Americans toward genetics, genetic testing, and sickle cell disease education and awareness.

Research among African-Americans indicates this population perceives sickle cell (SCD) to be a serious disease and sickle cell trait (SCT) screening an important intervention. However, studies have consistently demonstrated a lower than desired uptake of SCD education, inadequate knowledge regarding personal and family trait status, and a low perceived susceptibility of giving birth to a child with the disease. We examined general attitudes and beliefs regarding genetics and genetic testing including prenatal testing and newborn screening; we used this information as the foundation to more specifically assess attitudes and beliefs regarding SCD and perceived barriers to SCD education and awareness.

Genetic counseling following the detection of hemoglobinopathy trait on the newborn screen is well received, improves knowledge, and relieves anxiety.

Purpose: The primary purpose of newborn screening for hemoglobinopathies is the presymptomatic diagnosis and early treatment of sickle cell disease. Hemoglobinopathy traits detected on the newborn screening provide an opportunity for genetic counseling of families regarding the trait and information that may impact reproductive decisions of the parents. We describe the results of a study to determine the impact of newborn screening and genetic counseling on the lives of families in which an abnormal hemoglobin trait had been identified.

Perceptions of economic hardship and emotional health in a pilot sample of family caregivers.

Although several studies have quantified costs of cancer care; none to date have examined how cancer costs impact family caregivers' emotional health. This study was designed to evaluate how perceptions of economic hardship influence burden, depressive symptoms, and anxiety in family caregivers of persons with a primary malignant brain tumor. Caregiver (CG)/patient dyads (n = 33) were recruited at the time of diagnosis; data were collected at diagnosis and 4 months, and linear regression determined the impact of economic hardship on caregivers' emotional health.

Health beliefs among African American women regarding genetic testing and counseling for sickle cell disease.

Purpose: The Health Belief Model can help in understanding low acceptance of disease prevention and screening. We studied health beliefs of African American women to determine causes of low acceptance of genetic testing and counseling despite high prevalence of sickle cell disease and heterozygotes in this population.

Methods: An anonymous questionnaire using a 12-question measure with a 5-point Likert scale response was administered to 101 African American women attending an obstetrics and gynecology clinic to determine knowledge of sickle cell disease, perception of risk, severity, likelihood of benefit and barriers to counseling.

Systematic follow-up and case management of the abnormal newborn screen can improve acceptance of genetic counseling for sickle cell or other hemoglobinopathy trait.

Purpose: Sickle cell or other hemoglobinopathy trait detected on the newborn screen provides an opportunity for genetic counseling of families at risk of having a child with a major hemoglobinopathy. However, follow-up of hemoglobinopathy trait is often fragmented and acceptance of counseling is low. We describe the results of systematic follow-up and case management of abnormal newborn screen and the effect on acceptance of counseling.

Status of genetics education in U.S. dental schools.

Genomics research is rapidly increasing our understanding of the genetic basis of normal and abnormal growth, development, and disease. Genetic information and technologies are also being applied to develop new diagnostic and treatment strategies. Many diseases with dental, oral, and craniofacial manifestations have a genetic basis.