Community Outreach and Translation Core

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

As we move ahead into the genomic era, the public must grasp the importance of the impact of exposure to toxins such as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on the health of their children. Thus, we propose to translate the findings of our Center Investigators using a social-media approach that engages the community stakeholders in developing the communication materials. Our goals are 1) to translate what scientists learn in their research to easily understood information for the public and 2) to increase science literacy of the public on the topic of epigenetics with respect to ETS and disorders such as Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Ultimately, the goal of our science education approach is to help the public make appropriate decisions to abstain from smoking tobacco products and to avoid exposure to others who smoke. To achieve these goals, we have 6 specific aims: 1) Develop a simple science primer that uses lay language to communicate the effects of ETS on one's genes and how these effects can be handed down to one's offspring. Various stakeholders (e.g., doctors, pregnant patients, teens) will participate in the science primer development; 2) Disseminate the science primer in community health centers to stakeholders along with a call for contest applications; 3) Develop a working document that translates the major findings of each of the 3 Center projects into lay language (add to the science primer in a section called newest research); 4) Hold a contest in which stakeholders construct their own YouTube videos that convey any of the NICHES findings. A committee of judges will choose a set of winning videos for a small field test and eventual dissemination; 5) Conduct a field-test in community health centers using the winning YouTube videos to determine the stakeholders' attitudes and knowledge about the effects of ETS on themselves and their children; 6) Work with NIEHS to disseminate the YouTube videos and science primers on their website; post links to these materials online from the NICHES website and our science education website (www.rise.duke.edu).