As families consider their legacies, one aspect they hope not to pass down to future generations is hereditary medical conditions. According to a recent national poll conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, many parents are concerned about the potential for hereditary health issues in their children and are seeking guidance from healthcare providers on how to prevent these conditions.
The poll, which surveyed 2,057 parents of children aged one to 18 in February 2024, found that one in five parents have a child diagnosed with a hereditary condition. Nearly half of the respondents expressed concern that their child could develop such a condition in the future. Additionally, two-thirds of parents indicated they want their healthcare providers to offer strategies for preventing health problems that may be inherited.
Sarah Clark, M.P.H., co-director of the Mott Poll, emphasized the importance of equipping parents with accurate information about their family health history. “Parents play a crucial role in understanding and addressing their child’s health concerns, including those related to hereditary conditions,” Clark stated.
Knowledge of Family Health History: A Tool for Risk Reduction
The survey highlighted the proactive steps some parents are taking in light of their family health history. A quarter of respondents reported that they have asked healthcare providers to test or examine their child for conditions based on this history, with 7% pursuing genetic testing for their child.
Parents identified several conditions they believe pose a higher risk to their child due to family history, including allergies (41%), mental health conditions (33%), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (23%), obesity (22%), heart disease (20%), cancer (20%), alcoholism (18%), autoimmune conditions (13%), autism (6%), and other chronic conditions (29%).
Interestingly, a quarter of the parents surveyed believe they can prevent their child from developing a condition that runs in the family. Clark noted that while family health history is a valuable tool for identifying children at higher risk for common medical disorders—such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes—these are complex disorders influenced by a mix of genetic factors, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices.
“When parents are aware of their child’s family health history, they can take proactive steps to reduce the child’s risk,” Clark explained. Such steps might include early screenings, genetic counseling, promoting healthy eating and exercise habits, and being vigilant about potential signs and symptoms of these conditions.
Mental Health: A Less Confident Area for Parents
Despite the genetic links to many mental health conditions, the poll found that parents feel more informed about their child’s family medical history than their mental health history. Additionally, parents of older children are more likely to discuss family medical history than mental health history with their children.
Clark suggested that reluctance to discuss mental health may stem from the stigma surrounding mental health issues across generations and cultures. “Parents can help normalize these discussions by integrating them into everyday conversations and encouraging open and honest communication about mental health within the family,” she advised.
Preparing the Next Generation
As children approach adulthood, understanding their family health history becomes increasingly important. Many parents believe that their children, particularly those aged 12-18, could complete a family health history form with their assistance.
Clark highlighted the significance of this knowledge as adolescents prepare to take control of their own healthcare. “Family history may be crucial for healthcare providers to make informed decisions about treatment options,” she said. “Encouraging adolescents to learn about their family health history early on can empower them to take control of their health and make informed decisions throughout their lives.”
This poll underscores the importance of family health history as a tool for both parents and healthcare providers in preventing and managing hereditary health conditions, offering a pathway to a healthier future for the next generation.
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