Public knowledge and opinion of epigenetics and epigenetic concepts Lynch, Fiona, Lewis, S, Macciocca, I and Craig, Jeffrey 2021, Public knowledge and opinion of epigenetics and epigenetic concepts, Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, pp. 1-10, doi: 10.1017/S2040174421000520. Attached Files Name Description MIMEType Size Downloads Title Public knowledge and opinion of epigenetics and epigenetic concepts Author(s) Lynch, Fiona Lewis, S Macciocca, I orcid.org/0000-0003-3979-7849 Craig, Jeffrey Journal name Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Start page 1 End page 10 Total pages 10 Publisher Cambridge University Press Place of publication Cambridge, Eng. Publication date 2021 ISSN 2040-1744 2040-1752 Keyword(s) developmental origins of health and disease early life origins Epigenetics first 1000 days public opinion Summary Abstract The field of epigenetics is currently one of the most rapidly expanding in biology and has resulted in increasing public interest in its applications to human health. Epigenetics provides a promising avenue for both targeted individual intervention and public health messaging. However, to develop effective strategies for engagement, it is important to understand the public’s understanding of the relevant concepts. While there has been some research exploring the public’s understanding of genetic and environmental susceptibility to disease, limited research exists on public opinion and understanding of epigenetics and epigenetic concepts. Using an online questionnaire, this study investigated the Australian public’s understanding, views, and opinions of epigenetics and related concepts, including the concepts of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) and the first 1000 days. Over 600 questionnaires were completed, with 391 included in the analysis. The survey included questions on knowledge of epigenetics and perceptions of epigenetic concepts for self and for children. Data were analyzed using predominately descriptive statistics, with free-text responses scored based on concordance with predetermined definitions. While participants’ recognition of epigenetic terms and phrases was high, their understanding was limited. The DOHaD theory was more accurately understood than the first 1000 days or epigenetics itself. Female participants without children were more likely to recognize the term epigenetics, while age also had an impact. This research provides a solid foundation for further detailed investigation of these themes, all of which will be important data to help inform future public health messages regarding epigenetic concepts. Language eng DOI 10.1017/S2040174421000520 Field of Research 11 Medical and Health Sciences HERDC Research category C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal Persistent URL http://hdl.handle.net/10536/DRO/DU:30155950 Document type: Journal Article Collections: Faculty of Health School of Medicine Related Links Link Description Connect to published version Go to link with your DU access privileges   Connect to Elements publication management system Go to link with your DU access privileges     Unless expressly stated otherwise, the copyright for items in DRO is owned by the author, with all rights reserved. Versions Version Filter Type Mon, 27 Sep 2021, 11:13:15 EST Mon, 27 Sep 2021, 18:42:02 EST Mon, 27 Sep 2021, 18:46:47 EST Fri, 12 Nov 2021, 05:03:58 EST Wed, 15 Dec 2021, 10:30:11 EST Wed, 15 Dec 2021, 15:32:02 EST Wed, 15 Dec 2021, 15:34:14 EST Sat, 19 Mar 2022, 01:31:59 EST Filtered Full Citation counts:   Cited 0 times in TR Web of Science Cited 0 times in Scopus Search Google Scholar Access Statistics: 65 Abstract Views, 0 File Downloads  -  Detailed Statistics Created: Mon, 27 Sep 2021, 11:13:15 EST