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...experience. Media use, however, yielded statistically significant findings, such that individuals who regularly read the newspaper and science fiction books possess more deterministic attitude about genetics and a more positive attitude toward genetic counseling in general. In general, participants held strong positive beliefs regarding genetic testing. Given the AA legacy associated with medical research in the U.S. and associated distrust of the medical system, AA participants 'positive views may denote cautious optimism regarding equity in access to benefits relating to genetic testing. It should also be noted at the same time, however, that AAs differed in their use of many media associated with genetic health information from EAs, including movies, talk shows, crime and drama shows, and science fiction shows. This may suggest that AAs more often rely on such media to bridge gaps in the availability and use of formal health information about these issues.
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The mapping of the human genome has ushered in an age of genomic health care in which knowledge about the role of genes in health is in transition from a focus on single gene diseases to diseases with multiple genetic links, including cancer and heart disease. The media in all its varied forms have covered this revolution. The current study considers the possible influence of media use on attitudes toward genetic testing. Participants (N = 717) expressed moderate to strong levels of agreement regarding the efficacy of genetic testing. Participants who self-designated race as African American (n = 273) were often more likely than participants who self-designated race as European American (n = 470) to use media in ways that exposed them to information about genetics and health. This included watching movies that show how genes affect human health or the environment harms human genes. It also included watching talk shows that discuss the effects of genes on human health or how the environment harms human genes or how people's behaviors affect what genes do, science fiction shows such as X-Files that talk about human genetics, and criminal and drama shows such as Law & Order. Finally, these media use difference patterns were observed regarding reading science fiction books that talk about human genetics and newspaper articles that discuss the effects of genes on human health, with the latter more often engaged in by European Americans. Implications for studies of health in the US are discussed.
MEDIA EXPOSURE AND PERCEPTIONS OF GENETIC TESTING
The salience of heredity in health may increase when people can identify with a specific population portrayed in the media. As geneticists and health practitioners learn more about how different diseases and illnesses relate to genetics, the public is presented with information that stresses the importance of how genes and health are interrelated (Henderson & Kitzinger, 1999). More importantly, they are challenged to understand how their own medical and family histories can affect their present and future health status (Foxall, Barren, & Houfek, 1998). Becoming better informed about genetics is a difficult process for most (Jallinoja & Aro, 2000). While current medical developments in human genetic research (HGR) saturate newspapers, television, and the Internet, the medical community has become increasingly concerned with how health practitioners can bridge the knowledge gap for the public regarding the topic of human genetics and health (D'Espiro, 1998).
Media scholars have long acknowledged that media use satisfies various needs, with the two broadest categories comprised of instrumental, goal-directed, relating to learning and seeking behavioral guidance, versus habitual, relating to entertainment and relaxation (Swanson, 1987). For individuals with limited knowledge, genetic information and the prospect of genetic testing can be quite daunting. Thus, they may seek to increase their use of the media in order to make informed...
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