The ultimate aim of genetic research is to improve human health and prevent disease. One key measure of success in translating new genetic knowledge into improved health will be the extent to which genomic medicine reduces existing health disparities. We propose to develop a CEER on """"""""Genetics, Vulnerable Populations and Health Disparities"""""""" dedicated to examining the complex intersection of emerging genetic research and the persistent problem of health disparities through in-depth analysis of 3 key clinical areas: tobacco dependence, asthma, and diabetes. Each of these conditions is marked by high prevalence (together, these conditions affect 85M (29%) of Americans), persistent health disparities (by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status) and significant genetic findings related to disease etiology and/or response to treatment. Genomic advances in the treatment and prevention of these conditions - appropriately applied in clinical practice - would thus have far-reaching potential to improve not only our nation's health, but also to reduce existing health disparities across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic lines.
Specific aims are: (1) to identify and prioritize key ELSI issues related to the conduct, communication and translation of genetic research on tobacco dependence, asthma and diabetes; (2) develop a research agenda to address these concerns; (3) analyze high priority, policy-relevant issues (through 3-4 papers) to inform ongoing policy discussions and lay the groundwork for future research; (4) develop the capacity to monitor the equitable diffusion of emergent genetic-based treatments across racial/ethnic communities and Medicaid vs. privately insured individuals in the U.S. through completion of a feasibility study; (5) collect appropriate pilot data (e.g. focus groups, key informant interviews) to inform the P5O Center proposal; (6) provide training for a minority graduate student and develop a training component to encourage new ELSI investigators from underrepresented minority communities; and (7) submit a competitive P50 CEER proposal.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Type
Exploratory Grants (P20)
Project #
1P20HG003400-01
Application #
6831249
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHG1-HGR-P (M1))
Program Officer
Ota Wang, Vivian
Project Start
2004-09-01
Project End
2007-07-31
Budget Start
2004-09-01
Budget End
2005-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$187,799
Indirect Cost
Name
Georgetown University
Department
Miscellaneous
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
049515844
City
Washington
State
DC
Country
United States
Zip Code
20057
Shields, Alexandra E; Burke, Wylie; Levy, Douglas E (2008) Differential use of available genetic tests among primary care physicians in the United States: results of a national survey. Genet Med 10:404-14
Levy, Douglas E; Youatt, Emily J; Shields, Alexandra E (2007) Primary care physicians'concerns about offering a genetic test to tailor smoking cessation treatment. Genet Med 9:842-9
Braun, Lundy; Fausto-Sterling, Anne; Fullwiley, Duana et al. (2007) Racial categories in medical practice: how useful are they? PLoS Med 4:e271
Shields, Alexandra E; Shin, Peter; Leu, Michael G et al. (2007) Adoption of health information technology in community health centers: results of a national survey. Health Aff (Millwood) 26:1373-83