The public health community’s struggle to combat domestic health disparities has occurred in a context of increasing implementation of transdisciplinary research approaches. While conceptually appealing, the focus on the multilevel framing of the causes of ethnic health disparities by large-scale transdisciplinary initiatives has, to date, resulted in few tangible products. Moreover, intervention and community engagement outcomes have received less attention than more process-oriented research outcomes, namely assessing levels of transdisciplinarity achieved during the research process. We argue that a renewed focus on the ultimate products of transdisciplinary approaches, namely effective multilevel interventions, specific health outcome improvements, and greater community involvement, will aid this promising research paradigm in carrying out its philosophical commitment to ending population health disparities.

Objectives

To review ethical, ethnic/ancestral, and societal issues of genetic and genomic information and technologies in the context of racial and ethnic health disparities.

Data sources

Research and journal articles, government reports, web sites.

Conclusion

As knowledge of human genetic variation and its link to diseases continues to grow, some see race and ethnicity well poised to serve as genetic surrogates in predicting disease etiology and treatment response. However, stereotyping and bias, in clinical interactions can be barriers to effective treatment for racial and ethnic minority patients.

Implications for nursing practice

The nursing profession has a key role in assuring that genomic healthcare does not enhance racial and ethnic health inequities. This will require utilization of new genomic knowledge and caring for each patient as an individual in a culturally and clinically appropriate manner.

Background

The study of human genetic variation has been advanced by research such as genome-wide association studies, which aim to identify variants associated with common, complex diseases and traits. Significant strides have already been made in gleaning information on susceptibility, treatment, and prevention of a number of disorders. However, as genetic researchers continue to uncover underlying differences between individuals, there is growing concern that observed population-level differences will be inappropriately generalized as inherent to particular racial or ethnic groups and potentially perpetuate negative stereotypes.

Discussion

We caution that imprecision of language when conveying research conclusions, compounded by the potential distortion of findings by the media, can lead to the stigmatization of racial and ethnic groups.

Summary

It is essential that the scientific community and with those reporting and disseminating research findings continue to foster a socially responsible dialogue about genetic variation and human difference.