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Selected Works of Jennifer N. Eichmeyer
Article
An Assessment of Risk Understanding in Hispanic Genetic Counseling Patients
Journal of Genetic Counseling (2005)
  • Jennifer N. Eichmeyer, University of Texas Medical School at Houston
  • Hope Northrup, University of Texas Medical School at Houston
  • Michael A. Assel, University of Texas Medical School at Houston
  • Thomas J. Goka, University of Texas
  • Dennis A. Johnston, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
  • Aimee Tucker Williams, University of Texas Medical School at Houston
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Abstract
This study sought to identify if differences existed in risk comprehension and risk format understanding between genetic counseling patients of Hispanic and Caucasian ethnicity. A total of 107 questionnaires were collected, 56 from Hispanic patients, and 51 from Caucasian controls. Of the total population 41.1% (44/107) could not demonstrate sufficient risk understanding, which was 71.4% (40/56) of Hispanics and 7.8% (4/51) of Caucasians. Fractions were the best‐understood format for all participants. However, both Hispanics and Caucasians had difficulties with the percentage risk format. Discrepancies were also noted in qualitative word format understanding. Awareness of differences in risk comprehension may affect the selection of counseling techniques and strategies utilized by genetic counselors when educating patients about risk related information.
Keywords
  • genetic counseling,
  • decision-making,
  • comprehension,
  • multiculturalism,
  • risk,
  • cross-cultural comparison
Disciplines
Publication Date
August, 2005
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-005-0759-5
Citation Information
Jennifer N. Eichmeyer, Hope Northrup, Michael A. Assel, Thomas J. Goka, et al.. "An Assessment of Risk Understanding in Hispanic Genetic Counseling Patients" Journal of Genetic Counseling Vol. 14 Iss. 4 (2005) p. 319 - 328 ISSN: 1573-3599
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jennifer-eichmeyer/10/