Researchers are increasingly prioritizing the need for diversity in genetics and genomics research. To help make such studies more inclusive, José G. Pérez-Ramos, MPH, and Timothy D.V. Dye, PhD, research scientists at the University of Rochester in New York. examined Hispanic and Latinx populations’ desire to participate in genomics research. Mr. Pérez-Ramos presented the findings on October 16 at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2019 Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas (October 15-19). The presentation abstract is titled “Variation in Intention to Participate in Genetic Research Among Hispanic/Latinx Populations by Latin America Birth-Residency Concurrence: A Global Study. “We were interested in the determinants for people to participate in genetic research,” said Dr. Dye, principal investigator on the study. “Not only is representation in research important for accuracy of results, but it also helps improve distributional justice. If Hispanic and Latinx people are not represented, then there’s no possibility of them benefitting from all of the important genetics research that’s happening.” Mr. Pérez-Ramos and colleagues surveyed 1,718 individuals from 69 countries; among whom, 251 participants self-identified as Hispanic or Latin American and Caribbean (LAC). When measured as a single group, Hispanic and LAC people were as willing to participate in genomics research studies, and felt as positively about their impact, as other groups. However, when the participants of Hispanic and LAC ancestry were segmented further by country of birth and residence, there were noticeable differences in attitudes toward, and interest in, genetic research participation.Login Or Register To Read Full Story