The Genes & Health study is one of the world’s largest community-based genetic studies that aims to help improve health outcomes of Pakistani and Bangladeshi individuals.
South Asian people have some of the highest rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and poor health in the UK, according to the study’s researchers.
By looking more closely at how genes work, and how diseases develop, researchers are hoping to help develop better treatment options.
The study is actively recruiting volunteers in London, Bradford and Greater Manchester, with 24 volunteers recently recruited in Bolton.
Waheeda Abbas, our Genomic Midwifery lead, recently attended a women’s health event at the Kashmiri Youth Project (KYP) in Rochdale and was asked to present on the Genes & Health study.
Waheeda said: “I have attended two events hosted by KYP, which have provided me with the opportunity to highlight genomics, and its relevancy to everyone’s health and healthcare.
At the recent KYP women’s health event at the end of April, I was able to highlight the success of the Genes & Health study in London, Bradford and Manchester, and discuss why the project is vital to improving health of Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities, presenting information in the language the community understands, being visible and approachable to any questions or myths they have about genetics.
The session generated increased awareness among the community on the long-term benefits of the study that include better understanding, prevention, and treatments for diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
I was delighted to enrol 24 women on the study, which is fantastic, as taking part is quick and easy, and involves supplying a saliva (spit) sample and completing two short forms.”
To find out more information, or to sign up and volunteer, visit the Genes and Health study website.