Will Genomics Alter Risk Assessment Methodology in Health Behavior Research?

Abstract

Advances in Personal Genome Sequence (PGS) technologies raise provocative questions about the future of health education and health behavior research. Genetic predisposition plays a key role in the adoption of health behaviors, yet health risk appraisal methodologies often underestimate or ignore the strong influence of genetics. Addressing practice-related challenges related to appropriate access to and use of personal genetic information by clinicians, educators, researchers, policy makers, and the public will be important for advancing health behavior research methodologies. Emerging ethical, legal, and social implications of genomics present both an opportunity for growth and challenges for the health education profession.