Genetic Medicine, Race, and Health Disparities: The Relative Roles of Culture, Policy, and Institutions

• In Event: 055 - Regular Session. Health Policy

Abstract

Much research has documented racial/ethnic disparities in access to and uses of health care services in the United States. With the rise of genomic medicine which makes use of complex technology and knowledge there is concern that such inequalities of health care will not only continue but create a greater chasm. For instance, research has found that racial ethnic/minority women are less likely to undergo two of the most prevalent types of genetic testing currently available -- prenatal screening and BRCA testing for breast cancer. To account for such differences in utilization research often focuses on individual/attitudinal level factors (e.g. religiosity, ethnicity/culture, abortion views, views towards genetics, distrust of medicine/science) to explain disparities in genetic service usage. Drawing on 26 semi-structured qualitative interviews with a front-line genetic worker – master’s-level genetic counselors -- this study explores the factors, from a genetic health professionals' perspective, that affect whether racial/ethnic minority women have access to and make use of genetic services. Although like much previous research issues of "culture" were raised, more often structural/institutional/policy factors were raised (e.g., insurance, cost, location). This paper evaluates the role of such institutional and policy factors and what this means for equity in the provision of and use of genetic health services, as well as diverse populations experience of genetics in the contemporary U.S. more broadly.

Author

• Susan Markens, City University of New York-Lehman College