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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Debate

Using family history information to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases; a discussion of the evidence

Authors: Liesbeth Claassen, Lidewij Henneman, A Cecile JW Janssens, Miranda Wijdenes-Pijl, Nadeem Qureshi, Fiona M Walter, Paula W Yoon, Danielle RM Timmermans

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

A family history, reflecting genetic susceptibility as well as shared environmental and behavioral factors, is an important risk factor for common chronic multifactorial diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and many cancers.

Discussion

The purpose of the present paper is to discuss the evidence for the use of family history as a tool for primary prevention of common chronic diseases, in particular for tailored interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles. The following questions are addressed: (1) What is the value of family history information as a determinant of personal disease risk?; (2)How can family history information be used to motivate at-risk individuals to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles in order to prevent disease?; and (3) What additional studies are needed to assess the potential value of family history information as a tool to promote a healthy lifestyle?

Summary

In addition to risk assessment, family history information can be used to personalize health messages, which are potentially more effective in promoting healthy lifestyles than standardized health messages. More research is needed on the evidence for the effectiveness of such a tool.
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Metadata
Title
Using family history information to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases; a discussion of the evidence
Authors
Liesbeth Claassen
Lidewij Henneman
A Cecile JW Janssens
Miranda Wijdenes-Pijl
Nadeem Qureshi
Fiona M Walter
Paula W Yoon
Danielle RM Timmermans
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-10-248

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