Genetics Education Research Articles

Interventions aiming to improve informed decision on prenatal screening and testing: A scoping review of the literature.

The aim of this scoping review was to explore interventions and their effect in facilitating decision making on prenatal screening and testing among pregnant women. This review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Methods Manual for scoping reviews. Studies published 2000-2019 that consist of interventions to facilitate pregnant women's decision making in prenatal screening and testing were specifically reviewed. A total of 27 studies are included in this scoping review. In these studies, various methods, including face-to-face individual or group interventions, e-Health interventions, video-based interventions, written educational materials, and decision aid interventions, were developed and tested for their effectiveness in facilitating informed decision making on prenatal screening and testing. While these methods appeared to be effective, further studies involving diverse populations are needed to integrate them into practice. Genetic counselors and healthcare providers working with individuals who are referred for genetic education and counseling need to work collaboratively to facilitate informed decisions on prenatal screening of women and/or their partners.

One size does not fit all: The case for targeted education in genetics and genomics for cancer nurses.

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analysed in this paper.

Does the epigenetic clock GrimAge predict mortality independent of genetic influences: an 18\xa0year follow-up study in older female twin pairs

BackgroundEpigenetic clocks are based on DNA methylation (DNAm). It has been suggested that these clocks are useable markers of biological aging and premature mortality. Because genetic factors explain variations in both epigenetic aging and mortality, this association could also be explained by shared genetic factors. We investigated the influence of genetic and lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, chronic diseases, body mass index) and education on the association of accelerated epigenetic aging with mortality using a longitudinal twin design. Utilizing a publicly available online tool, we calculated the epigenetic age using two epigenetic clocks, Horvath DNAmAge and DNAm GrimAge, in 413 Finnish twin sisters, aged 63–76 years, at the beginning of the 18-year mortality follow-up. Epigenetic age acceleration was calculated as the residuals from a linear regression model of epigenetic age estimated on chronological age (AAHorvath, AAGrimAge, respectively). Cox proportional hazard models were conducted for individuals and twin pairs.ResultsThe results of the individual-based analyses showed an increased mortality hazard ratio (HR) of 1.31 (CI95: 1.13–1.53) per one standard deviation (SD) increase in AAGrimAge. The results indicated no significant associations of AAHorvath with mortality. Pairwise mortality analyses showed an HR of 1.50 (CI95: 1.02–2.20) per 1 SD increase in AAGrimAge. However, after adjusting for smoking, the HR attenuated substantially and was statistically non-significant (1.29; CI95: 0.84–1.99). Similarly, in multivariable adjusted models the HR (1.42–1.49) was non-significant. In AAHorvath, the non-significant HRs were lower among monozygotic pairs in comparison to dizygotic pairs, while in AAGrimAge there were no systematic differences by zygosity. Further, the pairwise analysis in quartiles showed that the increased within pair difference in AAGrimAge was associated with a higher all-cause mortality risk.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the findings suggest that DNAm GrimAge is a strong predictor of mortality independent of genetic influences. Smoking, which is known to alter DNAm levels and is built into the DNAm GrimAge algorithm, attenuated the association between epigenetic aging and mortality risk.

Using a Tailored Digital Health Intervention for Family Communication and Cascade Genetic Testing in Swiss and Korean Families With Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Protocol for the DIALOGUE Study.

BackgroundIn hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), family communication of genetic test results is essential for cascade genetic screening, that is, identifying and testing blood relatives of known mutation carriers to determine whether they also carry the pathogenic variant, and to propose preventive and clinical management options. However, up to 50% of blood relatives are unaware of relevant genetic information, suggesting that potential benefits of genetic testing are not communicated effectively within family networks. Technology can facilitate communication and genetic education within HBOC families.ObjectiveThe aims of this study are to develop the K-CASCADE (Korean–Cancer Predisposition Cascade Genetic Testing) cohort in Korea by expanding an infrastructure developed by the CASCADE (Cancer Predisposition Cascade Genetic Testing) Consortium in Switzerland; develop a digital health intervention to support the communication of cancer predisposition for Swiss and Korean HBOC families, based on linguistic and cultural adaptation of the Family Gene Toolkit; evaluate its efficacy on primary (family communication of genetic results and cascade testing) and secondary (psychological distress, genetic literacy, active coping, and decision making) outcomes; and explore its translatability using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance framework.MethodsThe digital health intervention will be available in French, German, Italian, Korean, and English and can be accessed via the web, mobile phone, or tablet (ie, device-agnostic). K-CASCADE cohort of Korean HBOC mutation carriers and relatives will be based on the CASCADE infrastructure. Narrative data collected through individual interviews or mini focus groups from 20 to 24 HBOC family members per linguistic region and 6-10 health care providers involved in genetic services will identify the local cultures and context, and inform the content of the tailored messages. The efficacy of the digital health intervention against a comparison website will be assessed in a randomized trial with 104 HBOC mutation carriers (52 in each study arm). The translatability of the digital health intervention will be assessed using survey data collected from HBOC families and health care providers.ResultsFunding was received in October 2019. It is projected that data collection will be completed by January 2023 and results will be published in fall 2023.ConclusionsThis study addresses the continuum of translational research, from developing an international research infrastructure and adapting an existing digital health intervention to testing its efficacy in a randomized controlled trial and exploring its translatability using an established framework. Adapting existing interventions, rather than developing new ones, takes advantage of previous valid experiences without duplicating efforts. Culturally sensitive web-based interventions that enhance family communication and understanding of genetic cancer risk are timely. This collaboration creates a research infrastructure between Switzerland and Korea that can be scaled up to cover other hereditary cancer syndromes.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04214210; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04214210 and CRiS KCT0005643; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/26264

Call for improvement in medical school training in genetics: results of a national survey

PurposeTo assess, from the student perspective, medical school training in genetics and genomics. MethodsIn 2019, the Undergraduate Training in Genomics (UTRIG) Working Group developed genetics-related survey and knowledge questions for the RISE-FIRST, an exam administered to postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pathology residents in the United States during their first months of training. Survey questions focused on perceived knowledge in genetics and the structure and quality of training with responses compared with those in control areas. ResultsThere were 401 PGY1 pathology residents who took the 2019 RISE-FIRST (65% of those in the United States). There was significantly lower perceived understanding of genetics compared with nongenetics topics. Respondents also reported less time spent learning genetics and lower quality training compared with control areas. Only 53% indicated an interaction during medical school with a medical geneticist. Residents also did not perform as well on the UTRIG-developed knowledge questions than those in other areas of pathology. ConclusionThe RISE-FIRST is a useful tool in assessing the current state of medical school training in genetics. This needs assessment may serve as a call to action to improve medical school genetics education and promote greater understanding of the role of genetics professionals in patient care.

Point of care genetic testing in a breast cancer survivorship clinic.

10580 Background:: Breast cancer survivorship care (BCSC) includes the ongoing assessment of personal and family cancer history and offering genetic education, counseling and testing to survivors who meet NCCN, ASBrS and Medicare guidelines for germline genetic testing. It is reported that approximately 8% of patients with breast cancer (BC) will have a clinically actionable germline mutation. However, lower than expected rates of testing are seen in both the acute and extended phases of BCSC. We sought to identify the number of patients seen in a long-term survivorship clinic who had previously undergone or currently qualified for germline testing, and the prevalence of germline variants in BC survivors. Methods: In a Nurse Practitioner (NP) led clinic, 2,184 non-selected BC survivors were screened to determine if: germline testing was previously completed or if update germline testing or initial germline testing is needed (with a 3-generation review of family history). BC survivors eligible for initial or update germline testing (411 patients) were provided with genetic education, counseling, and offered multigene panel testing. Seven (7) BC survivors declined testing. Results: From May 2019 – January 2021, 2,184 BC survivors were seen in the clinic. The average age of survivors = 60.2 yrs; average time since diagnosis = 10.7 yrs; and average age at diagnosis = 50.1 yrs, gPV were identified in 10.4%. Out of pocket cost on average was $50.00 for 2.0% of those tested. Conclusions: Within a comprehensive Breast Cancer program where genetic testing is common practice, there is an ongoing need to screen breast cancer (BC) survivors for genetic testing eligibility. A significant number of BC survivors will test positive for a pathogenic mutation (10.4%) a decade after an initial diagnosis. Genetic testing is a necessary step to stratify a BC survivors’ risk of developing secondary cancers, appropriate screening and prevention strategies, cascade testing, and for some, treatment planning. This individualized approach to BCSC is often described, but difficult to put into action. Time/access and drop rates with a referral model are barriers. Incorporating a point of care genetic testing model requires additional support (genetic extender), professional development, education, and a commitment to provide patient centric care.[Table: see text]

Awareness of genetic counseling services among allied healthcare professionals in South Africa.

Genetic counseling has been shown to increase patient empowerment leading to positive outcomes. However, in the Johannesburg state healthcare system, the genetic counseling service is underutilized. Individuals with genetic disorders present with a variety of symptoms and are frequently referred to allied healthcare professionals for management; therefore, these professionals are in a unique position to identify appropriate patients and refer them for genetic counseling. This study aimed to determine whether allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists, were aware of genetic counseling services in Johannesburg, South Africa, and whether they had previously referred patients to these services. The study also aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to referral. An adapted paper-copy questionnaire was administered to allied health professionals working at one of three state hospitals in Johannesburg. A total of 57 participants were included in this study. Results indicated that 29/57 (50.9%) of allied health professionals knew that genetic counseling services were available but only 15/29 (51.7%) of those who knew of the service had referred patients to these services in the last year. Barriers to referral included misconceptions about the role of genetic counselors, insufficient knowledge of which patients would benefit from genetic counseling, and being unable to obtain appropriate information from the Genetics Clinic for patient referral. However, allied health professionals recognized the benefit of genetic counseling and 53/57 (93%) wanted to increase their genetics knowledge. Therefore, genetics education of allied health professionals, and improved information regarding the referral procedure for genetic counseling, may improve the number of patients referred.

The double helix at school: Behavioral genetics, disability, and precision education

The prospect of using behavioral genetic data in schools is gaining momentum in the U.S., with some scholars advocating for the tailoring of educational interventions to students' genetic makeup (“precision education”). Public perspectives on testing for and using behavioral genetic data in schools can affect policies but are unknown. We explored public views in the U.S. (n = 419) on key issues in precision education. The introduction of a child's behavioral genetic information regarding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder was associated with beliefs that such data should be considered in educational planning for the child and increased medicalization, but also a belief in treatment efficacy. Most participants expressed interest in learning about children's behavioral genetic predispositions but would disapprove of testing without parental consent. Differences by participants' race, ethnicity and educational attainment were observed. Our findings indicate the public's complex understanding of genetic information and the challenges for wide implementation of precision education in the U.S.

Education in youth-friendly genetic counseling.

Genetic counselors have long recognized the challenges of working with adolescents and young adults (AYA) and their families. In 2010, a framework of Youth-friendly Genetic Counseling was developed by an expert reference group with the aim to improve both care for AYAs and the experience of health professionals delivering that care. Subsequently, an education workshop was developed aimed to upskill genetic health professionals in youth-friendly genetic counseling. The workshop was piloted with genetic counselors in Australia and New Zealand. A purpose designed, pre- and post-workshop survey and post-workshop focus group was utilized for evaluation. Mean confidence scores increased pre- and post-workshop. Participants also demonstrated increases in knowledge regarding: adolescent development; developmental theory; social factors impacting on health; the needs of young people; practice challenges; youth-friendly engagement, communication, consent and confidentiality; practice approaches; principles of adolescent healthcare; ethical issues; and available services and resources. Focus group data revealed several themes relating to practice challenges, learning gains, barriers, and enablers to clinical translation and workshop feedback. Results demonstrate utility of the workshop in up-skilling genetic health professionals in the provision of youth-friendly genetic counseling. Consideration of adaptation and sustainability, by embedding this theoretical and skills-based workshop as a module within genetic counseling education, is required to ensure practice competence and the best health outcomes for young people and their families.

Clinical Implementation of Expanded Carrier Screening in Pregnant Women at Early Gestational Weeks: A Chinese Cohort Study.

Demands for expanded carrier screening (ECS) are growing and ECS is becoming an important part of obstetrics practice and reproductive planning. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a small-size ECS panel in clinical implementation and investigate Chinese couples’ attitudes towards ECS. An ECS panel containing 11 recessive conditions was offered to Chinese pregnant women below 16 gestational weeks. Sequential testing of their partners was recommended for women with a positive carrier status. The reproductive decision and pregnancy outcome were surveyed for at-risk couples. A total of 1321 women performed ECS successfully and the overall carrier rate was 19.23%. The estimated at-risk couple rate was 0.83%. Sequential testing was performed in less than half of male partners. Eight at-risk couples were identified and four of them performed prenatal diagnosis. Our study demonstrated that a small-size ECS panel could yield comparable clinical value to a larger-size panel when the carrier rate of the individual condition is equal or greater than 1%. In addition, more than half of male partners whose wives were carriers declined any types of sequential testing possibly due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of genetic disorders. Genetic education is warranted for the better implementation of ECS.

Nursing Genetics and Genomics Education in Indonesia: Philosophy and Ethics Study (a Hermeneutics Approach)

This study was conducted to provide a philosophical and ethical description of the development of genetics and genomics nursing science and the importance of its incorporation into nursing education in Indonesia. Researchers have adopted five of the seven steps of the Heideggerian hermeneutics. All data has been obtained from literature research. The qualitative analysis of secondary data has applied the data analysis. The Coherence theory of truth criteria has been applied to maintain the consistency of scientific truth. The consistent statement system has used the principle of logic as a guide to interpreting the facts and opinions of others adequately. Nursing genetics and genomics is an ethical, philosophical product of nursing science development and a new scope of science as an adaptation to global health issues. The areas of science in nursing need to be developed further by placing genetics and genomics issues that can be adapted into the curriculum of the nursing higher education curriculum in Indonesia.
 
 Keywords: Education; Ethics; Genetics; Genomics; Philosophy

Knowledge and psychosocial impact of genetic counseling and multigene panel testing among individuals with ovarian cancer.

In a sample of individuals with ovarian cancer,we aimed to (a) identify factors associated with the psychosocial impact of genetic counseling and multigene panel testing, (b) identify factors associated with cancer genetics knowledge, and (c) summarize patient-reported recommendations to improve the genetic counseling and multigene panel testing process. Eligible participantsin this secondary analysis of quantitative and qualitative survey data were English-speaking adults with ovarian cancer. Psychosocial impact was assessed using the Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA) questionnaire. Knowledge of cancer genetics was assessed using the KnowGene scale. Significant predictors of MICRA and KnowGene scores were identified using multiple regression. Open-ended survey item responses were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Eighty-seven participants met eligibility criteria. A positive genetic test result was associated with greater adverse psychosocial impact (B = 1.13, p = 0.002). Older age (B = -0.07, p = 0.044) and being a member of a minority racial or ethnic group (B = -3.075, p = 0.033) were associated with lower knowledge, while a personal history of at least one other type of cancer (B = 1.975, p = 0.015) was associated with higher knowledge. In open-ended item responses, participants wanted clinicians to assist with family communication, improve result disclosure, and enhance patient and family understanding of results. A subset of individuals with ovarian cancer who receive a positive genetic test result may be at risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes. Tailored cancer genetics education is necessary to promote the equitable uptake of targeted ovarian cancer treatment and risk-reducing therapies. Interventions to enhance patient-clinician communication in this setting are a research priority.

Streamlining the genetics pipeline to increase testing for patients at risk for hereditary prostate cancer.

66 Background: At UCSF, ~850 men with metastatic prostate cancer are seen annually, all of whom should receive germline genetic testing. Prior to our study, the GU medical oncology program offered a self-pay, take-home genetic testing kit (30-gene panel) to patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Patients with positive test results were referred for genetic counseling. For this study, the UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention program partnered with the GU medical oncology program, adapting a Genetic Testing Station (GTS) to expand access and accommodate testing needs. At Prostate GTS, a genetic counselor assistant (GCA) facilitates cancer genetics education by video, enrolls patient in a research registry, collects a family history and saliva sample sent for an 87-gene panel. Our study evaluates the effectiveness of the GTS by comparing prospective performance metrics and testing outcomes of Prostate GTS with retrospective data obtained from the take-home method (“Before GTS”). Methods: Men were ascertained by their treating oncologist and referred for GTS. Indications for genetic testing include: all metastatic prostate cancer, or under age 50 at diagnosis, or with family history, or at clinician discretion. GTS metrics were prospectively collected by clinical staff. “Before GTS” metrics were retrospectively collected through data reporting from commercial lab analysis (test orders dated 01/2017 to 09/2019) and patient chart review. Results: In the first 6 months of Prostate GTS (10/2019-3/2020), 139 patients received testing at the GTS and 91% (127) had received results at censoring. GTS results were distributed as follows: 10% (13) positives, 33% (42) negative no VUS, and 57% (72) negative w/VUS. In the 33 months, “Before GTS”, 218 genetic testing orders had been placed, with 78% (196) reported at censoring, distributed as 11% (22) positive, 68% (134) negative no VUS, and 20% (40) negative w/VUS. The rate of incomplete tests decreased significantly with the GTS, (22% down to 9%, p = 0.0008). "Before GTS", of patients with a positive result, 15/22 (68%) were referred for genetic counseling, of which 8 completed a visit (36% of all positives). In the GTS model, all patients with positive results were seen by a genetic counselor for results disclosure and counseling. Comparing result rates across similar timeframes, 127 results were reported from GTS compared to 40 results from “Before GTS” in the same calendar months the year prior, representing a 218% increase in returned results. Median turnaround time decreased from 16 days to 9 days with GTS. Conclusions: GTS efficiently increased access to genetic testing and counseling for patients with prostate cancer. By leveraging GCAs and video education, this model involves cancer genetics at each step of the process, decreases turnaround time, and increases rates of returned results that can be used by patients to inform treatment and prevention strategies.

Genetics education program to help public health nurses improve their knowledge and enhance communities\u2019 genetic literacy: a pilot study

BackgroundAs human genetics knowledge develops, public genetic literacy needs to be increased, though the educational capacity for this purpose has not yet been fully developed. Under this circumstance, the daily work of public health nurses can be viewed as an opportunity to enhance public genetic literacy. However, in Japan, there is not only a lack of public knowledge of human genomics but also a lack of public health nurses’ recognition about genomic literacy. A short-term education program was implemented as a pilot study. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the program to support public health nurses’ activity aimed at promoting health services-related genetic literacy.MethodsThe genetics education program was implemented in December 2019, in Kagoshima, Japan. Twenty-three public health nurses cooperated with the research. The program was composed of a case study on consultation, a lecture on hereditary diseases, and a discussion on the role of public health nurses. Familial hypercholesterolemia was used as the topic of the case study. We evaluated scores for cognition, affect, and psychomotor characteristics related to their learning goals before and after the program using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Answers in the consultation were qualitatively analyzed.ResultsThe mean cognitive score, capturing provision of explanations of hereditary disease, was 6.3 before the program but increased significantly to 9.3 after the program (p < 0.001). For the affective score, the goal of which was deepening interest in human genetics, the mean score increased significantly from 8.5 before to 11.0 after (p < 0.001). For the psychomotor score, addressing the need for genetic consultation, the mean score increased significantly from 4.4 before to 8.1 after (p < 0.001). Prominent themes extracted from descriptions on the worksheet post training included, “providing advice and accurate information on genetic disorders” and “referral to a specialized organization.”ConclusionsOur findings indicated that this education program helps public health nurses be positively involved in human genetic disorders. Thus, they may connect to their local community to provide accurate genetics knowledge and advice for health management and promoting genetic literacy.

The Misuse of Pedigree Analysis in the Eugenics Movement

Pedigree analysis has long been an essential tool in human genetics as well as a staple of genetics education. Students of genetics might be surprised to learn that human pedigrees were first popularized in the United States by proponents of eugenics, the pseudoscientific social movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of the human race. Notably, the influential eugenicist Charles B. Davenport employed pedigree charts to support his belief that not only were such medical conditions as Huntington disease and albinism inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion, but so too were such characteristics as alcoholism, criminality, and “feeblemindedness.” We now see the flaws in Davenport’s pedigree analysis, but at the time, it was the latest scientific advance. The misuse of pedigree analysis during the eugenics era may serve as a cautionary tale for those who are now harnessing the latest genetic technologies to solve complex problems.

The impact of needs-based education on the change of knowledge and attitudes towards medical genetics in medical students.

In this research we aimed to (1) develop and validate a new questionnaire examining attitudes and knowledge towards medical genetics, (2) examine the knowledge and attitudes towards medical genetics in students of the Medical Faculty in Rijeka, Croatia and (3) evaluate the impact of education from the mandatory course Medical Genetics on the change of knowledge and attitudes. The study was conducted on 191 fifth- and sixth-year students of the Integrated Undergraduate and Graduate University Study of Medicine in the academic year 2019/2020. Students completed the validated online questionnaire anonymously and voluntarily. Fifth-year students completed the questionnaire twice (beginning/end of the course), while sixth-year students completed the questionnaire once, 3 months after completing the course. The education was carefully designed for medical students according to the CoreCompetences in Genetics for Health Professionals in Europe issued by the European Society of Human Genetics. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, a statistically significant difference was found between fifth year before and after education and between the fifth year before education and sixth year for (a) total knowledge (P < 0.001), (b) total attitudes (P < 0.001) and (c) personal assessment of knowledge in medical genetics (P < 0.001). Moreover, positive attitudes were associated with higher levels of knowledge. In conclusion, our results emphasise the importance of needs-based education in medical genetics for medical students, which is indispensable for the increase in the level of knowledge and development of positive attitudes in order to provide better health care for patients with genetic disorders.

Teaching the Central Dogma Using a Case Study of Genetic Variation in Cystic Fibrosis

The central dogma of biology is a foundational concept that is traditionally included in genetics curricula at all academic levels. Despite its ubiquitous presence throughout genetics education, students persistently struggle with both the fundamental and advanced topics of the central dogma. In particular, students conflate the role of genomic variations in DNA replication, transcription, and translation. As research and healthcare increasingly utilizes genomic medicine to link genetic variants to clinical phenotypes, it is critically important for biology and health science students to understand the role of genetic variation in molecular genetics. This lesson focuses on the role of missense mutations in the central dogma using a case study of cystic fibrosis. The case study is paired with a creative activity in which students draw the molecular parts of the central dogma. This helps students to connect the abstract concepts of the central dogma to a real-world clinical example. The effectiveness of this lesson was evaluated for two semesters of a Human Genetics course using end-of-unit exam questions. The active-learning lesson is an engaging activity that reinforces the role of genetic variation in the central dogma and the effects on clinical phenotypes. This lesson is highly customizable and adaptable to courses of various sizes, levels, course lengths, and teaching modalities. <em>Primary image: </em>Molecular View of the Central Dogma. This drawing was produced by a student at Bloomsburg University’s Human Genetics course for Part 1 of this lesson.

Gender Difference in Circulatory Associated Multi-Morbidity among the Elderly in Rural Southwest China

Aim: This study examined the prevalence of four chronic circulatory system diseases (hypertension, CHD, hyperlipemia, Stroke) and associated multi-morbidity in order to identify the risk factors among the elderly in Yunnan province. Methods: A cross-sectional survey including 2299 consenting adults aged ≥ 60 years from rural places was conducted in 2018. Data of demographic parameters and clinical characteristics were acquired from questionnaire and health examination. Categorical variables were presented as counts and percentages. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between individual SES and lifestyle variables and multimorbidity of the four chronic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. All analyses were conducted with SPSS 17.0 software. Results: Our study suggested that the prevalence of hypertension, CHD, hyperlipemia, Stroke was 57.1%, 4.2%, 5.9% and 5.3%, respectively and the prevalence of multimorbidity was 10.3%. Females had a higher prevalence of family history of chronic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, obesity, central obesity and illiteracy than males (P < 0.01), whereas males had a markedly higher prevalence of drinking, smoking and good sleeping quality than females (P < 0.01). The family genetic history, obesity, smoking, education, and diabetes were positively and drinking was negatively correlated with the prevalence of circulatory associated multimorbidity in elderly. Interestingly, some of the above associations were only observed in male/female but not the other sex. Conclusions: The prevalence of circulatory disease associated multimorbidity is relatively high among elderly population in rural places of Yunan province and the risk factors are different between females and males.

Effects of Genetic Education in University Students

Effects of Genetic Education in University Students

Генетическое образование преподавателей и студентов медицинских вузов

Предлагается новый подход к повышению квалификации по генетике врачей, преподавателей и студентов медицинских вузов, основанный на использовании дифференцированных учебных программ для специалистов различных медицинских профилей. New approach is proposed for genetic education of physicians, medical teachers and students based on differentiated training programs for different medical type specialists.