A Survey of Texas Health Educators' Family Health History-based Practice

Objectives: To examine Texas health educators' practice of providing family health history (FHH)-based services, alongside factors shaping their practice. Methods: A theoretical model of factors influencing health educators' FHH-based practice was developed and tested through structural equation modeling. (Master) Certified Health Education Specialists (N = 228; 40.93%) in Texas completed a baseline survey immediately before online or workshop FHH training. Results: Participants incorporated FHH into their practice at low rates (on average=37.10%). Our model fit the data adequately based on the overall model chi-square test and model-fit-indices (ie, chi(2) [df = 21]=27.20; p = .16; RMSEA=0.04; SRMR=0.05; CFI=0.97). Intention, self-efficacy, attitudes, and knowledge were associated with practice. Conclusions: Training health educators to incorporate FHH into their practice is needed. Our theoretical model suggests intervention points for future training.