Abstract
Objectives/Goals: The study is designed to co-develop a genetics education digital platform with community participants. Diverse populations, especially African American communities, are less likely to participate in genetic testing and clinical trials. To increase participation and community input, we want community participants across Louisiana. Methods/Study Population: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study will be conducted to assess interest in learning about genetics through a digital education platform and to adapt the platform based on participant feedback. Specific Aim 1 will be achieved by recruiting a diverse cohort and collecting demographic data to identify participants’ characteristics. For Specific Aim 2, 35 community participants will be enrolled as a co-design team to complete 5-week educational modules. Feedback from focus groups will guide iterative platform refinements, ensuring the platform is culturally tailored and user-friendly. Results/Anticipated Results: For Specific Aim 1, we anticipate that the majority of participants will express interest in learning about genetics through the digital platform, with demographic data revealing a diverse participant pool, predominantly from African American and Hispanic communities. For Specific Aim 2, we expect that all 35 co-design team members will complete the 5-week modules. Feedback from the focus groups is anticipated to highlight the need for more user-friendly navigation, culturally tailored content, and enhanced visuals. These insights will guide the refinement of the digital platform for improved engagement and accessibility. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This study addresses a critical translational barrier – underrepresentation of African descended communities in genetic testing. By developing a culturally tailored, digital platform to engage these populations, the project aims to reduce health disparities, enhance genetic literacy, and foster inclusivity in genomic research.