Few people realize that environmental pollution and some behaviors like physical activity and tobacco smoking can affect their health by "turning on" or "turning off" certain genes through a process called "epigenetic modification." This study will develop and test strategies for communicating about epigenetics that are understandable and that do not increase ethical, legal or social issues (ELSI).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,000
Video introducing uncertainty about epigenetics research.
Video normalizing uncertainty about epigenetics research.
Video about the concept of epigenetics
Knowledge & understanding of epigenetics Information
Sum score of correct answers for 11 individual items. Scale ranges from 0 points to 11 points with higher scores indicating higher epigenetics knowledge.
Time frame: Baseline survey, after intervention video
Acceptability of epigenetics information
Three constructs including perceived benefits of epigenetic research (7 items, ranging from 1 to 5 with higher scores indicating higher perceived benefits), perceived drawbacks of epigenetic research (3 items, ranging from 1 to 5 with higher scores indicating higher perceived drawbacks), and acceptance of using epigenetic research in medical support (3 items, ranging from 1 to 5 with higher scores indicating higher acceptance of using epigenetic research in medical support).
Time frame: Baseline survey, after intervention video
Perceptions of epigenetic information
6 item scale where scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater perceptions of epigenetic information.
Time frame: Baseline survey, after intervention video
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