Knowledge, group-based medical mistrust, future expectations, and perceived disadvantages of medical genetic testing: perspectives of Black African immigrants/refugees.

BACKGROUND: Reasons for low participation of ethnic minorities in genetic studies are multifactorial and often poorly understood. Based on published literature, participation in genetic testing is low among Black African immigrants/refugees although they are purported to bear disproportionate disease burden. Thus, research involving Black African immigrant/refugee populations that examine their perspectives on participating in genetic studies is needed. OBJECTIVES: This report examines and describes the knowledge of medical genetics, group-based medical mistrust, and future expectations of genetic research and the influence of these measures on the perceived disadvantages of genetic testing among Black African immigrants/refugees. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional survey design, a nonprobability sample (n = 212) of Black African immigrants/refugees was administered a questionnaire. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 61 years (mean = 38.91, SD = 9.78). The questionnaire consisted of 5 instruments: (a) sociodemographic characteristics, (b) Knowledge of Medical Genetics scale, (c) Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale, (d) Future Expectations/Anticipated Consequences of Genetics Research scale, and (e) Perceived Disadvantages of Genetic Testing scale. RESULTS: Participants were concerned that genetic research may result in scientists 'playing God,' interfering with the natural order of life. In multivariate analyses, the perceived disadvantages of genetic testing increased as medical mistrust and anticipated negative impacts of genetic testing increased. Increase in genetic knowledge contributed to a decrease in perceived disadvantages. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that recruitment of Black African immigrants/refugees in genetic studies should address potential low knowledge of genetics, concerns about medical mistrust, the expectations/anticipated consequences of genetic research, and the perceived disadvantages of genetic testing.

Nursing research priorities of the National Black Nurses Association.

The purpose of this article is to describe the nursing research priorities of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA). The NBNA is a professional nursing association representing more than 150,000 black nurses throughout the United States and the Eastern Caribbean. This article describes knowledge gaps in nursing research and presents various findings from research studies aimed at defining research priorities in nursing. Recommended research priorities are discussed that are directed toward improving the health of African Americans and other vulnerable populations. The NBNA urges the National Institutes of Health to increase funding to support research initiatives with an emphasis on women's health, particularly the health of women from diverse cultures. Nursing research programs are steadily yielding results, which enable the nursing profession to meet the goal of using the programs include identification of research priorities, acknowledging the vast disparity in nursing research today.

Determinants of participation in state-of-the-art cancer prevention, early detection/screening, and treatment trials among African-Americans.

It has been suggested that the greatest potential for reducing cancer mortality in high-risk populations may be realized through aggressive implementation of prevention, diagnostic, and state-of-the-art treatment programs and increasing participation in cancer trials. However, the national data suggest that African-Americans are most often underrepresented in such programs and/or trials. Multiple factors are assumed to contribute to this situation, but currently few studies have been conducted to validate their influence. A study focused on identifying factors that contribute to participation of African-Americans in investigational cancer programs and/or trials was therefore conducted. Two hundred twenty African-American men and women were recruited to participate in a regional survey. There was evidence to support the impact that perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs have on willingness to participate in investigational programs and/or trials. The factor having the greatest influence on willingness to participate in investigational programs and/or trials was perceived efficacy of the investigational programs and/or trials. Among this sample there was an apparent hesitancy of many to participate in research programs and/or trials. The prevailing belief that such programs and/or trials were only for those with the disease or condition under study appeared to influence their response. However, when provided information on the opportunities for participation in prevention, diagnostic, and treatment programs and/or projects for those within the general community (especially for those at higher risk) and on the benefits of participation, a much greater willingness to participate was expressed by participants.

Testicular self-examination among African-American men.

The protection of African-American men from testicular cancer is a misnomer. Of the new cases of testicular cancer diagnosed in the United States, one-fourth will be among African-Americans. Nine out of every ten testicular tumors are discovered by the man himself. Therefore, the American Cancer Society recommends that all men practice testicular self-examination every month and make the procedure a life-time habit. Research suggests that most men are unaware of the fact that cancer can develop in the testicles. And, among African-American men this lack of knowledge is even greater.

Factors contributing to health promotion behaviors among African-American men.

Few studies reported in the literature address healthcare trends of African-American men. A study of health promotion behaviors of African-American men was undertaken using a health beliefs framework. The study examined the cancer-related knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of a select group of African-American men to evaluate their influence on health promotion behaviors. The health beliefs framework was very useful in predicting the health promotion behaviors of African-American men. Significant relationships were observed between the variables of knowledge of early warning signs of cancer, attitudes related to screening procedures, perceptions of seriousness of cancer, and cancer risk reduction and early detection health promotion behaviors. The results reinforce earlier reports indicating the pronounced effects of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions on the use of health-promoting activities.