One in five parents report that their child has been diagnosed with a hereditary condition, while close to half have concerns about the possibility of their child developing such a condition, according to a recent national survey.
Many families wish to avoid passing on health issues to their children and grandchildren.
A new national poll indicates that one in five parents say their child has been diagnosed with a hereditary condition, and nearly half are worried their child might develop one in the future.
Additionally, two-thirds of parents expressed a desire for their healthcare providers to recommend ways to prevent hereditary health problems, as reported by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.
“This report underscores the importance of parents having accurate information regarding their family’s health history,” stated Sarah Clark, M.P.H., co-director of the Mott Poll.
“Parents play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing their child’s health issues, including those associated with hereditary conditions.”
The nationwide report is based on responses from 2,057 parents of children aged one to eighteen, surveyed in February 2024.
Understanding family health history may help lower risk
Twenty-five percent of parents mentioned they have requested healthcare providers to test or evaluate their child for conditions related to their family background, with 7% seeking genetic testing.
The surveyed parents believe that family medical history increases their child’s risk for various conditions, including allergies (41%), mental health disorders (33%), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (23%), obesity (22%), heart disease (20%), cancer (20%), alcoholism (18%), autoimmune diseases (13%), autism (6%), and other chronic illnesses (29%).
Despite these concerns, 25% of parents feel they can prevent conditions that run in the family.
Understanding family health history might help identify children at an elevated risk for common medical issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, specific cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
However, these disorders are complex and influenced by various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, according to Clark.
When parents are aware of their child’s family health history, they can take proactive measures to minimize risks, such as arranging for early screenings, seeking genetic counseling, promoting healthy eating and exercise, and staying alert for warning signs and symptoms.
“Knowing about a hereditary risk can lead parents to make more thoughtful choices,” Clark noted.
“A child’s pediatrician can serve as a valuable resource in optimizing their health and helping to avoid illnesses experienced by family members.”
Parents less confident discussing mental health history
Even though many mental health issues have a genetic basis, parents seem to be more informed about their child’s family history concerning medical conditions than mental health conditions.
Moreover, parents of older children tend to discuss family medical history more frequently than they do family mental health history with their children.
“The hesitance to discuss a family’s mental health history may stem from longstanding stigma across different generations and cultures,” explained Clark.
“To normalize conversations about mental health, parents can include these discussions in everyday talks and foster an atmosphere of open communication regarding mental health within the family.”
Empowering children to take charge
Many parents believe that children aged 12-18 could help fill out forms regarding their family health history.
As young people approach adulthood and prepare to live independently, gaining knowledge about their family health background becomes increasingly important, according to Clark.
“A family’s health history is vital for healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding treatment options,” she emphasized. “Encouraging teenagers to understand their family health history from an early age can empower them to take responsibility for their health and make knowledgeable choices throughout their lives.”
