Minorities, particularly African Americans and Hispanics, are under-represented when it comes to utilizing genetic testing and participating in genetic research. Previous studies, largely survey-based, have noted this situation but have not explained the reasons for this disparity. My research program is geared toward understanding the views of minorities concerning genetic testing and concerning their participation in genetic research. I will use ethnographic approaches, including one-on-one interviews and focus-groups, to obtain a representative group of oral histories. The recruitment for participation will be facilitated through contacts with various religious, business, health-care, and service organizations. The transcripts will be analyzed in-depth to identify historical, cultural, religious, economic, and educational issues. In addition, genetic testing for pharmacogenomic purposes will be explored to see if these new advances in genetic medicine are seen as appropriate or threatening and if genetic testing is seen as acceptable or not for this purpose.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31HG004124-04
Application #
7668075
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-HOP-U (29))
Program Officer
Mcewen, Jean
Project Start
2006-08-10
Project End
2010-08-09
Budget Start
2009-08-01
Budget End
2010-07-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$30,346
Indirect Cost
Name
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
003137015
City
Blacksburg
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
24061