Monday, September 29, 2025
Science
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
No Result
View All Result
Scienmag
No Result
View All Result
Home Science News Medicine

2 in 3 parents want help preventing their child from developing hereditary health conditions

August 26, 2024
in Medicine
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Reducing children's risk of developing hereditary conditions
66
SHARES
601
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT

ANN ARBOR, Mich. –  Among things many families don’t wish to pass down to their children and grandchildren: medical issues.

Reducing children's risk of developing hereditary conditions

Credit: Sara Schultz, University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health

ANN ARBOR, Mich. –  Among things many families don’t wish to pass down to their children and grandchildren: medical issues.

One in five parents say their child has been diagnosed with a hereditary condition, while nearly half expressed concerns about their child potentially developing such a condition, a new national poll suggests.

And two thirds of parents want their healthcare provider to suggest ways to prevent their child from developing a health problem that runs in the family, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

“This report reflects the need for parents to be equipped with accurate information about their family health history,” said Mott Poll co-director Sarah Clark, M.P.H.

“Parents play a key role in understanding and addressing their child’s health concerns, including those related to hereditary conditions.”

The nationally representative report is based on 2,057 responses of parents of children ages one to 18 years surveyed in February 2024.

Health history knowledge may help reduce risk

A quarter of parents say they have asked healthcare providers to test or examine their child for conditions based on their family history, and 7% say they sought genetic testing for their child.

Parents polled think family history puts their child at higher risk for allergies (41%), mental health conditions (33%), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (23%), obesity (22%), heart disease (20%), cancer (20%), alcoholism (18%), autoimmune conditions (13%), autism (6%), or other chronic conditions (29%).

But a quarter of parents think that they can prevent their child from developing a condition that runs in the family.

Family health history may help identify children with a higher-than-usual chance of having common medical disorders, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

But these are complex disorders influenced by a combination of genetic factors, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices, Clark says.

When parents have knowledge of their child’s family health history, she says, they can take steps to reduce their child’s risk, such as early screenings, genetic counseling, encouraging healthy eating and exercise habits, and being aware of possible signs and symptoms.

“Having a hereditary predisposition to an illness may prompt parents to be more careful with certain choices,” Clark said.

“A child’s pediatrician can be a resource to help optimize their health and avoid some of the illnesses experienced by their family members.”

Parents less confident about mental health history

Although many mental health conditions have a genetic component, parents polled feel slightly more knowledgeable about their child’s family health history for medical conditions than mental health.

Additionally, parents of older children report talking about family medical history more often than family mental health history with their child.  

“Reluctance to openly discuss a family’s mental health history may reflect the stigma represented across generations and cultures,” Clark said.

“Parents can normalize discussions about mental health by integrating them into everyday conversations and encourage open and honest communication within the family about mental health.”

Empowering young people to take the lead

Many parents polled believe their child ages 12-18 could fill out a form about their family health history with their help.  

As children near adulthood and get ready to move out on their own, Clark notes, it becomes more important for them to be knowledgeable about their family health history.

“Family history may be crucial for healthcare providers to make informed decisions about treatment options,” Clark said. “Encouraging adolescents to learn about their family health history early on can also empower them to take control of their health and make informed decisions throughout their lives.”

 



Share26Tweet17
Previous Post

Sustaining oyster farming with sturdier rafts

Next Post

Does the extent of structural racism in a neighborhood affect residents’ risk of cancer from traffic-related air pollution?

Related Posts

blank
Medicine

Closing the Prevention Gap: Funding and Research Shifts

September 29, 2025
blank
Medicine

Cochrane Review Confirms RSV Vaccines Are Safe and Effective

September 29, 2025
blank
Medicine

Cochrane Review Confirms Safety and Effectiveness of RSV Vaccines

September 29, 2025
blank
Medicine

Addressing Frailty and Polypharmacy in Elderly Home Care

September 28, 2025
blank
Medicine

Unplanned, Premature Births Outside Hospital Present Critical Challenges for Emergency Responders

September 28, 2025
blank
Medicine

Hypnosis Enhances Comfort of Ventilation Masks for Patients with Respiratory Issues

September 28, 2025
Next Post
Does the extent of structural racism in a neighborhood affect residents’ risk of cancer from traffic-related air pollution?

Does the extent of structural racism in a neighborhood affect residents’ risk of cancer from traffic-related air pollution?

  • Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    27560 shares
    Share 11021 Tweet 6888
  • University of Seville Breaks 120-Year-Old Mystery, Revises a Key Einstein Concept

    969 shares
    Share 388 Tweet 242
  • Bee body mass, pathogens and local climate influence heat tolerance

    646 shares
    Share 258 Tweet 162
  • Researchers record first-ever images and data of a shark experiencing a boat strike

    512 shares
    Share 205 Tweet 128
  • Groundbreaking Clinical Trial Reveals Lubiprostone Enhances Kidney Function

    471 shares
    Share 188 Tweet 118
Science

Embark on a thrilling journey of discovery with Scienmag.com—your ultimate source for cutting-edge breakthroughs. Immerse yourself in a world where curiosity knows no limits and tomorrow’s possibilities become today’s reality!

RECENT NEWS

  • Genomic Study Uncovers Resilience of Coral-Killing Sponge
  • Transforming CO2: From Emission to Valuable Products
  • Closing the Prevention Gap: Funding and Research Shifts
  • Effective Treatment of Verrucous Granuloma in Captive Elephants

Categories

  • Agriculture
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Athmospheric
  • Biology
  • Blog
  • Bussines
  • Cancer
  • Chemistry
  • Climate
  • Earth Science
  • Marine
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Pediatry
  • Policy
  • Psychology & Psychiatry
  • Science Education
  • Social Science
  • Space
  • Technology and Engineering

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 5,184 other subscribers

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Discover more from Science

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading