For this week’s Discussion, you will evaluate factors that can influence healthcare disparities in genetic screenings as you survey current research initiatives. For example, a few known healthcare disparities involve the sex, race or ethnicity, income, special needs, or educational status of patients. These factors may greatly influence the genetic screenings, if any, that the patient is offered. A lack of awareness of genetic risk means that these individuals might not seek care or modify health behaviors before sudden and severe disease occurs. The purpose of this Discussion is for you to investigate healthcare disparities in genetic screening.

To participate in this Discussion, do the following:

• Write an initial post addressing the following prompts:
  • Discuss the known healthcare disparities in genetic screening, and evaluate the societal factors that can influence these disparities.
  • Discuss two of these healthcare disparities in detail.
  • Survey current research initiatives investigating healthcare disparities in genetic screening, and select one initiative that seems the most promising to you.
  • Explain your reasoning and provide evidence to support it.

  Respond to three peers’ posts.

  • Each response should include substantiated ideas or thoughtful questions providing different perspectives on the topic.