The National Human Genome Research Institute recommends pursuing “genomic information to improve behavior change interventions” as part of its strategic vision for genomics. The limited effectiveness of current behavior change strategies may be explained, in part, by their insensitivity to individual variation in adherence responses.
The first step in evaluating whether genomics can inform customization of behavioral recommendations is evidence reviews to identify adherence macrophenotypes common across behaviors and individuals that have genetic underpinnings. Conceptual models of how biological, psychological, and environmental factors influence adherence also are needed.
Researchers could routinely collect biospecimens and standardized adherence measurements of intervention participants to enable understanding of genetic and environmental influences on adherence, to guide intervention customization and prospective comparative effectiveness studies.
- Colleen M. McBride and Eric D. Green are with the National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD. Angela D. Bryan is with the Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Molly S. Bray is with the School of Public Health, University of Alabama, Birmingham. Gary E. Swan is with SRI International, Center for Health Sciences, Menlo Park, CA.
