Health Disparities in Genomics and Genetics
1Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
2School of Nursing, Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida, USA
3Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health National, Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
4Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research, Dillard University and LSU Health Sciences Center Collaborative, New Orleans, LA, USA
5Department of Health Promotion, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, USA
Health Disparities in Genomics and Genetics
Description
In 1990, with the promise to revolutionize the science of medicine, the Human Genome Project (HGP) was launched to (among other objectives) map and sequence the human genome. The resounding success of the HGP and its successor initiatives (the International HapMap project and the 1000 Genomes Project) has brought clinical translation closer than ever. Yet skepticism remains as to the best strategies for therapeutic interventions, utilization of genetic services, and dissemination of information, especially among “racialized” populations (i.e., people who are self-described as a visible minority on the 2006 Census). Although some prevention programs now exist to reduce disparities by targeting specific genetic disorders, ethnic minorities remain underrepresented in genetic research and are the last to benefit from the resulting medical advances.
We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles to stimulate discussion about health disparities in genetics, genomic research, and genomic medicine among racialized populations. Improving the health of racialized populations in the context of genetics requires careful consideration of the systemic issues, health disparities, and public policies that serve as the background of individual risk factors. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
- Best practices to recruit and retain “racialized” populations in genetic/genomic research
- Public health policies to reduce/eliminate health disparities in genomic medicine
- Ancestry and “race” as proxies for disease risk
- The impact of genetic diversity and differentiation on disease risk in different population groups
- Examining health disparities in genetic screening and counseling
- Epigenetics and its impact on diseases among racialized populations
- The impact and outcome of integrating genetic/genomics into nursing curricula
- Identifying best practice to stimulate and increase interest in genetics/genomics among practicing ethic minority nurses
- Identifying the best social marketing strategies for improving awareness and use of pharmacogenomics in the clinic
Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/nrp/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/nrp/geng/ according to the following timetable: