# Attitudes about Return of Epigenetic Age Results among Latinx Adults

> **NIH NIH R21** · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2024 · $232,500

## Abstract

Abstract
Epigenetic variation, especially DNA methylation, has been associated with numerous complex diseases.
Epigenetic age is a fairly recent measurement that is associated with an individual’s biological age, and has
recently been shown to contribute to general mortality, specifically with cardiovascular disease. Abundant
evidence demonstrates that specific interventions (e.g., exercise, diet, smoking cessation) can alter, and more
importantly improve, an individual’s epigenetic age acceleration. Although research has addressed attitudes
and uptake of specific genetic tests, we do not know whether patients would want information about their
epigenetic age or, among those who want their results, how they would respond to receipt of results.
Furthermore, we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of understanding perspectives held by
underrepresented populations about the use and implementation of genomic technology. However, such
knowledge is often limited. To address this gap in knowledge and to ensure that perspectives of underserved
minorities are not overlooked, we will conduct semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 40 1st and 2nd
generation Mexican immigrant adults for whom their existing epigenetic age has already been determined as
part of a currently funded grant (# R01 MD017006). The interviewer will elicit detailed responses from the
participants about perceived benefits and drawbacks of being informed about their epigenetic age, and ask
whether they want to receive their epigenetic age test result. Those who opt to receive their epigenetic age will
receive them, and then will immediately be asked to briefly respond to a few open-ended questions. Three
months later, all participants will engage in a final semi-structured, in-depth interview about the perceived
benefits and drawbacks of being able to receive one’s epigenetic age. Through systematic analysis of interview
transcripts, we will (1) delineate the perceived benefits and drawbacks to receiving results of epigenetic age
test results reported by 1st and 2nd generation Mexican immigrant adults prior to receipt of test results, and (2)
identify and delineate the perceived benefits and drawbacks to receiving results of epigenetic age test results
reported by 1st and 2nd generation Mexican immigrant adults immediately, and three months after, receipt of
test results. We will also determine if responses vary by the difference between each participant’s biological
and chronological age.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10792132
- **Project number:** 1R21AG085000-01
- **Recipient organization:** WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Joanne Christine Sandberg
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $232,500
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-15 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10792132

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10792132, Attitudes about Return of Epigenetic Age Results among Latinx Adults (1R21AG085000-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10792132. Licensed CC0.

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