Importance of Genetics and Lifestyle in Chronic Diseases
Author Information
Author(s): Aamir Hussain, Lourdes Santos‐Merx, Mariasole Da Boit
Primary Institution: De Montfort University
Hypothesis
Lifestyle will be considered the most important factor for the development of chronic diseases.
Conclusion
Participants considered lifestyle to be more important than inherited genes for chronic disease development.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants scored lifestyle higher than genetics in importance for disease development.
- Majority chose lifestyle as the most important factor for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 Diabetes.
- Knowledge about genes did not influence the perception of lifestyle as a risk factor.
Takeaway
People think that how they live, like what they eat and how much they exercise, is more important for staying healthy than their genes.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire among UK adults aged 18 and over.
Potential Biases
Self-reported lifestyle may lead to overestimation of healthy behaviors.
Limitations
The sample had a high education level, which may not represent the general population's views.
Participant Demographics
Participants were mainly from England, predominantly female, aged below 30 or over 40, and mostly White or Asian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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