Are Young Adults Talking about Their Family Health History? A Qualitative Investigation

Authors

  • Lei Xu, PhD
  • Wura Jacobs, PhD
  • Mary Odum, PhD, C.H.E.S.
  • Caitlin Melton
  • Lindsey Holland
  • Kelly Johnson

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2017.87

Keywords:

Family health history, communication, young adults

Abstract

Family Health History (FHH) plays an essential role in risk assessment for a variety of hereditary
conditions. However, little is known about how young adults communicate with their family members
about FHH. We conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 30 college students to gather
information about their FHH communications with family members. Our sample was diverse and half
of our participants were international young adults. Our findings indicated that none of the interviewees
had initiated conversations about their FHH. Our findings highlight the need to provide culturally-
tailored educational programs for young adults on the importance of collecting FHH for proactive care.

Published

2017-04-01

How to Cite

Xu, L., Jacobs, W., Odum, M., Melton, C., Holland, L., & Johnson, K. (2017). Are Young Adults Talking about Their Family Health History? A Qualitative Investigation. American Journal of Health Studies, 32(2). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2017.87