Journal of Cell Science & Therapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2157-7013
ISSN: 2157-7013
Nedal Arar
Accepted Abstracts: J Cell Sci Ther
F amily health history (FHH) information represents a critical step towards the implementation of personalized medicine and will complement current/future genetic testing. Despite mounting evidence regarding the importance of familial risk assessments, to date, community-based approaches in promoting the use of FHH information have not been broadly applied. The primary objective of the Genomic-based Research Applications for Community Engagement (GRACE) program is to enhance learning about familial risks among minority population with increased risks for common chronic diseases. The GRACE program is based on the Community Health Action (CHA) model combined with the Social Learning Theory. Interactive learning sessions were conducted among a community-based sample (n=75) recruited from five counties in San Antonio, TX. These learning sessions included: (1) a short online video and printed brochures about the importance of FHH information, (2) instructions on how to use of the online Surgeon General (SG) FHH tool to collect and document FHH information, and (3) instructions on how to use the GRACE Familial Risks Assessment Template. In this presentation, we will report early findings regarding the impact of the GRACE program on improving learning about familial risks among participated individuals. Promoting learning about familial risks will create informed and active individuals who will take steps to reduce their risks for developing common chronic diseases, thus improve their health and well-being
Nedal Arar., PhD is Associate Professor at the UTHSCSA, SA, TX. She obtained her PhD in Medical Anthropology from SMU, Dallas., TX in 1996 and completed a post-doctoral NIH-funded fellowship focused on health service genomics. She has published more than 60 papers in reputed journals and served on several NIH and VHA study sections