HomeResearchIntramural ResearchResearch Branches at NHGRISocial & Behavioral Research Branch McBride Research

Colleen McBride, Ph.D. Chief & Senior Investigator Social and Behavioral Research Branch Head Public Health Genomics Section B.A. University of Wisconsin, 1980 M.S. University of Arizona, 1982 Ph.D. University of Minnesota, 1990 (301) 594-6788 (301) 480-3108 cmcbride@mail.nih.gov Building 31, Room B1B54 31 Center Dr, MSC 2073 Bethesda, MD 20892-2073 Selected Publications

Dr. McBride¿s research focuses on developing innovative public health interventions to promote risk-reducing behaviors. Building on her behavioral epidemiology and genetics experience, she is investigating how genetic information can best be used to motivate people to behave in more healthful ways. Genetic testing is likely to become a leading medical tool for educating patients about their health risks and inspiring them to take preventive steps, although there are many obstacles to overcome before that can occur. Having the testing technology does not necessarily translate into better health behaviors.

Accurate family history information combined with genetic test results may help to personalize risk in a way that generalized health advice does not. Indeed, under certain circumstances, the more personal and threatening the perceived risk, the easier it is to motivate people to take preventive actions. Studies have shown that some patients become motivated to change their behavior on learning their high-risk status. However, for unknown reasons, others discount such information despite their known risk. Because people are not passive recipients of health advice and have competing motives that drive their behavior, an individual¿s emotions, value systems, and other personal characteristics need to be considered when delivering health communication approaches. Unfortunately, such factors are not well understood by many health professionals, who may overestimate the impact genetic information will have on their patients. Researchers need to establish the most effective and efficient ways to bring these genetic discoveries to patients, communities, and health care professionals.

As chief of the Social and Behavioral Research Branch (SBRB), which was established in 2003, Dr. McBride currently is articulating research priorities for the branch to help guide the use of genetics/genomics to improve the health and well-being of the population. Initially, the SBRB is focusing on smaller studies that address the basic science of risk communication, best practices for genetic counseling and education, clinical integration of genetics, techniques for involving communities in dissemination of genetic discoveries, and related bioethical and social policy issues.

In one study, Dr. McBride¿s group is investigating family physicians¿ attitudes and preferences related to integrating genetic information on complex diseases into their clinical practice. Other than oncology specialists, only a small fraction of physicians have any formal training in genetics, and there is very little dissemination of such information into primary care practices. Therefore, although many family physicians take patients¿ family histories, most of these histories are inadequate for genetic study purposes. Dr. McBride¿s team is partnering with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) to evaluate reactions of AAFP members who undertake a yearlong genetics curriculum. The curriculum will include training on how to take an optimal family history that can be used in the context of genetic studies. The team will survey physicians before and after the AAFP course and also will survey physicians who choose not to enroll.

In another study, Dr. McBride is investigating how genetic information influences smokers and how genetic risk information can best be used to motivate them to stop smoking. The study is examining smokers who are blood relatives of a patient with late-stage lung cancer. The hypothesis is that these at-risk smokers may have an enhanced fear of developing lung cancer and may be especially receptive to prevention information. Study participants are being offered genetic testing to determine their susceptibility to lung cancer. Among those who choose to be tested, some will learn they are at high risk, but others will be reassured that they are not at high risk for lung cancer. The study eventually will include about 150 relatives of cancer patients who are receiving care at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in southern Florida.

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Last Updated: September 2, 2008