Genetic Education for Native Americans

This 3 year project intends to modify existing genetics education curricula to create culturally competent education interventions (i.e., independent modules and a 20-hour comprehensive intervention) which will be targeted to the Native American college and university students, and to educators who teach Native Americans. The specific aims are to (1) develop, pretest, refine, promote, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of culturally competent genetic education interventions (e.g., individual modules and comprehensive workshop) for Native American college and university students, and educators; (2) pretest and modify culturally relevant genetic educational information and resources, including, pre- and post-tests for the educational interventions; (3) compare the effectiveness (knowledge and attitudes) of the individual education modules implemented independently with the same module implemented as part of the 20-hour comprehensive education workshop; and, (4) initiate the development of a national database of scientists willing to provide genetic research mentor ship opportunities, and Native American students (college and graduate students) who are interested in genetic education, research and care. The overall goal of this application is to develop culturally acceptable materials providing Native American students with information so that they can make informed decisions about genetic issues and pursuing genetic science careers, including genetic counseling and research. The interventions will be implemented in geographically diverse settings throughout the U.S., primarily in conjunction with selected Native American science and education conferences and meetings, in order that more Native Americans can benefit from the proposed genetic education interventions.