Engaging the Public on Genetics and Healthcare
Genetics is set to play a major role in the diagnosis, treatment and possibly prevention of disease. As with many areas of medicine, genetic medicine can raise social and ethical issues. Nowgen works to engage public and patient audiences in dialogue about genetics and healthcare. We use a variety of approaches: we hold public debates, provide accurate and relevant information resources, design creative projects to stimulate thinking, conduct population surveys and qualitative research to gauge public opinions and attitudes, and work with students, teachers and curriculum developers to support and influence the teaching of genetics in schools. Ultimately, we hope that, through our activities, we will empower citizens to make informed decisions about the future of genetic medicine.
Recently, Nowgen tackled the topic of childhood obesity at a free public debate as part of the Manchester Science Festival. It explored the causes – genetic and other – and consequences of childhood obesity. Almost 100 people attended and the event invited everyone to actively debate the issues with several specialists (including two scientists, ITV This Morning’s Dr Chris Steele and Fat Activist Vicky Swinden). The audience were also given voting pads to respond to key questions and roving microphones allowed everyone to have their say.
When asked to vote, over three quarters (79) of the audience said that society discriminates against obese people. Some people shared their experiences and described how difficult it can be to shift prejudices. Another voting question explored who should take responsibility for the treatment of obese patients. Surprisingly, nearly a quarter of the audience (22) thought that obese people should pay for their own treatment. These findings clearly indicate strong and emotional views about obesity and its treatment.
How to deal with childhood obesity was also a focus for debate. A large majority (86%) of the audience agreed that childhood obesity should be tackled by a combination of the government and parents ‘doing more’. However, when asked what the government should prioritise, opinion was split:
Area the government should prioritise % of respondents
Education of adults and children 32%
More research into obesity 24%
A ban on advertising unhealthy foods in children’s media 19%
An extra tax on unhealthy foods 13%
Investment in sports facilities 13%
Following the success of this event on obesity, Nowgen is currently planning further work around this controversial area of scientific research and healthcare. We will also hold a series of events at this year’s Manchester Science Festival, this time on the theme of human enhancement.
