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Evaluating Approaches for Communication About Genomic Influences on Body Weight

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background

Developments in genomics may improve patient consultations about weight management; however, optimal approaches for these communications are unstudied.

Purpose

We assessed the influence of receiving generic, genomic information and of physician communication approach on overweight females in simulated clinical weight counseling interactions.

Methods

Two hundred participants were randomized to receive information about genomic or behavioral underpinnings of body weight from a virtual reality-based physician who used either a supportive or directive communication approach. Participants completed post-test self-report questionnaires.

Results

Genomic explanations for body weight led patients to perceive less blame [F (1,196) = 47.68, p < .0001] and weight stigma [F (1,196) = 5.75, p = .017] in the consultation. They did not lead to negative outcomes in physician-patient interaction or affect health behavior-related attitudes and beliefs. Physician’s supportive or directive communication approach did not moderate these effects.

Conclusions

Integrating genomic concepts into health care has potential to positively influence the patient-provider relationship while addressing longstanding challenges in weight management. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01443910.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health. This work is based on data collected in the Immersive Virtual Environment Testing Area of the Social and Behavioral Research Branch, NHGRI, NIH. The authors thank Colleen McBride, Ph.D. and Howard Gordon, MD for advice and feedback during study development and editorial comments on a previous version of this manuscript. We thank Aanand Naik, MD for feedback during study development. We also acknowledge Peter Hanna, Stephanie Browning, and Maie Lee for assistance with data collection.

Authors’ Statement of Conflict of Interest and Adherence to Ethical Standards

Authors Susan Persky and Richard Street have no conflict of interest to report. All procedures, including the informed consent process, were conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, B1B36, 31 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA

    Susan Persky Ph.D.

  2. Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA

    Richard L. Street Jr. Ph.D.

  3. Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies, Section of Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Richard L. Street Jr. Ph.D.

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  1. Susan Persky Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Susan Persky Ph.D..

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Persky, S., Street, R.L. Evaluating Approaches for Communication About Genomic Influences on Body Weight. ann. behav. med. 49, 675–684 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-015-9701-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-015-9701-8

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