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Information about genetic engineering (GE) for vector control in the United States is disseminated primarily in English, though non-English speakers are equally, and in some geographic regions even more affected by such technologies. Non-English-speaking publics should have equal access to such information, which is especially critical when the technology in question may impact whole communities. We convened an interdisciplinary workgroup to translate previously developed narrated slideshows on gene drive mosquitoes from English into Spanish, reviewing each iteration for scientific accuracy and accessibility to laypeople. Using the finalised stimuli, we conducted five online, chat-based focus groups with Spanish-speaking adults from California. Overall, participants expressed interest in the topic and were able to summarise the information presented in their own words. Importantly, participants asked for clarification and expressed scepticism about the information presented, indicating critical engagement with the material. Through collaboration with Spanish-speaking scientists engaged in the development of GE methods of vector control, we translated highly technical scientific information into Spanish that successfully engaged Spanish-speaking participants in conversations about this topic. In this manuscript, we document the feasibility of consulting Spanish-speaking publics about a complex emerging technology by drawing on the linguistic diversity of the scientific teams developing the technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A goal of the Precision Medicine Initiative All of Us Research Program (AoURP) is recruitment of participants who reflect the diversity of the US. Recruitment from among blood bank donors, which may better reflect the demographic makeup of local communities, is one proposed strategy. We evaluated this strategy by analyzing the results of a survey of San Diego Blood Bank donors conducted in November 2015. Whites were more likely than nonwhites to respond to the survey (7.1 percent versus 3.9 percent). However, race was not a significant predictor of interest in participating in precision medicine research. Using census data linked to donors' ZIP codes, we also found that people who indicated interest in research participation were more likely to come from regions with higher educational attainment. Although blood banks represent a viable recruitment strategy for AoURP, our findings indicate that bias toward inclusion of whites and more highly educated people persists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The University of California, San Diego screens health care professionals, trainees, and students for depression and suicide risk. Individuals complete a voluntary, anonymous online screening tool and choose whether to provide personal demographic information. This study assessed the relationship between privacy-related constructs and self-rated depression and suicide risk., Method: The authors analyzed responses to the screening tool collected from January 2018 to December 2019. Measures of depression, suicidal ideation and behaviors, and worry about stigma for seeking mental health services (i.e., privacy-related concern) were gathered. The number of demographic item nonresponses (i.e., age, gender, ethnicity/race, professional position) was operationalized as privacy-related behavior. Linear and logistic regression models were used to determine associations between privacy-related constructs (concern and behavior) and depression and suicide measures., Results: A total of 1,224 respondents were included. On average, respondents reported mild depression (mean = 9.12, standard deviation = 5.94), but 43% (524/1,224) reported at least moderate depression. One in 5 respondents (248/1,224) reported worry about stigma for seeking mental health services, and more than 17% (212/1,224) skipped at least 1 demographic question. Privacy-related concern was statistically significantly and positively associated with recent depression and suicidal ideation and behaviors (odds ratios [ORs] = 3.13-7.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.23-19.20; P's < .001) and with lifetime suicide attempts (OR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.08-2.86; P = .02). Privacy-related behavior was statistically significantly and positively associated with suicide action (OR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.24-4.02; P = .008)., Conclusions: Privacy-related constructs may be meaningful correlates of mental health as respondents who endorsed these constructs had increased odds of worse depression and suicidal ideation and behaviors. Considering privacy-related constructs may be useful for identifying health care professionals, trainees, and students experiencing distress and in need of imminent mental health resources., (Copyright © 2021 by the Association of American Medical Colleges.)