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(301) 451-4010
(301) 480-3108 
Dr. Kaphingst has a unique background that includes multidisciplinary training in bench and behavioral sciences, and her research reflects and capitalizes on this broad perspective. The bulk of Dr. Kaphingst's research focuses on developing ways to communicate information about genetics and genomics to the general public, particularly people who have limited education or literacy. This is an area in which little research has been done to date. Her goal is to test the relative effectiveness of different communication approaches, with the hopes that these approaches ultimately can be incorporated into practical interventions designed to improve the public's health.
Dr. Kaphingst's previous research has focused on the communication of various types of health information. She has examined how direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements presented risk and benefit information via broadcast and print media. Dr. Kaphingst also has investigated the communication of cancer information to patient- and community-based populations. One such study was conducted with breast cancer patients who had donated blood or tissue samples for breast cancer research, with the goal of understanding their perceptions of the donation process and their interest in receiving information about ongoing research studies. Although the donors expressed a strong interest in receiving information about studies using their samples, they had a limited understanding of genetic research and related vocabulary.
Communicating with the general public about genetics is likely to be a substantial challenge. Nearly a quarter of U.S. adults have low levels of functional literacy skills, and another quarter has marginal skill levels. Existing research shows that these adults have more limited knowledge and skills related to chronic diseases, such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. For the Human Genome Project to fulfill its promise of improving the public's health, scientists must develop effective, research-based strategies that can convey health information to everyone, including those with limited literacy.
Dr. Kaphingst is currently conducting research in both an Immersive Virtual Environment Technology (IVET) laboratory and in community-based settings. Her IVET laboratory work focuses on examining variables that impact the effectiveness of strategies for communicating abstract genetic concepts. She is also partnering with community groups to design genetic communication strategies that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for various target populations.
Dr. Kaphingst is particularly interested in communicating with lay audiences in the context of common diseases, in which genes interact with other genes and the environment to contribute to the development of a chronic disease or disorder. She seeks to develop improved methods for effectively informing people about their disease susceptibility risk and about any preventive steps they can take to diminish their risk, with the hope that individuals will take concrete measures toward improving their health by changing their behaviors.
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Last Reviewed: March 2, 2009