Importance of Genetics and Lifestyle in Chronic Diseases
Author Information
Author(s): Hussain Aamir, Santos‐Merx Lourdes, Boit Mariasole Da
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
- Majority of respondents chose lifestyle over inherited genes as the most important factor for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 Diabetes.
- Knowledge about genes did not influence the selection of lifestyle as the most important factor.
- Participants reported a healthy lifestyle but did not correlate this with the choice of disease risk factors.
Takeaway
People think that how you live, like what you eat and how much you exercise, is more important for staying healthy than the genes you inherit from your parents.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey with an anonymous questionnaire was conducted 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 have influenced health awareness and genetics knowledge.
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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