A Systematic Review of Genetic Testing and Lifestyle Behaviour Change
- Post by: Moe
- 5:12PM Jan 28, 2019
- No Comment
Nutrigenomics is the branch of science that studies the relationship between genomes and nutrition and health ie. how genes interact with food, beverages and supplements consumed to influence health outcomes. Genetic tests are thought to potentially provide information on disease risks, which can be relieved through alterations in your lifestyle habits and behaviours.
This systematic review – with Justine Horne, Janet Madill, Colleen O’Connor, Jacob Shelley, and Jason Gilliland – provides a detailed and comprehensive identification, assessment and summary of primary research articles that address lifestyle behavioural changes due to genetic interventions. Theory of planned behaviour (TPB) is the most widely accepted underlying theory – factors such as subjective norms and perceived behavioural control are believed to be the key constructs used to predict behaviours. Review provides in-depth analyses of studies conducted and quality of genetic interventions that aim to determine if genetic testing facilitates presumed changes in lifestyle habits.
Much greater focus has been placed on genetics, testing behaviour changes ever since the entire human genome has been decoded. Specifically sleep, is an element that remains understudied, in the area of genetics and behaviour changes – this is notable due to its substantial impact sleep has on health. Review mentions that future research in genetic interventions should be of higher quality and that it should consider implementing validated theories (eg. TPB). As time progresses, with more literature published, additional key components to genetic interventions will come to light, providing the best method to facilitate behavioural changes. This gain in knowledge will impact global health and promote behavioural changes, resulting in a healthier lifestyle.
Read full article here: https://doi.org/10.1159/000488086
Keywords: Genetics, Nutrition, Health, Lifestyle, Behaviour, Theory of Planned Behaviour