Q13: WRITE SHORT NOTES ON: 1) IMPORTANCE OF DESIGN ANTHROPOMETRY IN ANTHROPOLOGY

2) GENETIC COUNSELING

ANSWER: 1. IMPORTANCE OF DESIGN ANTHROPOMETRY IN ANTHROPOLOGY

The term anthropometry was introduced by a French naturalist named Georges Cuvier (1769-
1832 . The first use of anthropometry in anthropology was of course in physical anthropology
where it was used to study human variability among different human races. It was also used to
make a comparative study of human beings and primates. Anthropometry comes from the Greek
words, anthropos (man) and metron (measure).

The use of design anthropometry started many years ago with its initial uses was concerned with
the collection of data of body parts to design clothes, tools and apparatus etc. among other things.
Other applications also used measurements for assessment of height, shape and size of other
body areas etc. During the early times, like the 15th century BC, body parts were also of immense
interest to artists and sculptors. Anthropometry is an important part in the study and applicability
of ergonomics. Anthropometry or anthropometric measurements are applied in an astonishingly
extensive type of specialised and mechanical areas, for example industrial design, clothing
design, forensics, architecture etc. In ergonomics itself, anthropometry is employed to create
designs for human use. Design anthropometry fundamentally analyses the statistical information
about the distribution of body measurements among people to enhance and improve
manufactured articles. The prime purpose is to design products in such a way which will help
people perform better and more efficiently. Hence ,design anthropometry in particular does play
an important part in bringing home the point that different bodily characteristics, like, size,
shape, vigour, grasp influence the manner in which people carry out their jobs and reveals in
order to perfect this, the human-machine connectivity has to be excellent. Besides industrial and
clothing design, design anthropometry is also applied in designing furniture, surgical apparatus,
farm appliances, aircraft controls etc. This need for anthropometric data is now acknowledged by
engineers, architects, companies and designers alike while designing products for their users.
And in this, anthropologists with anthropometric knowledge can offer their skills.
2) GENETIC COUNSELING

Genetic counseling is the process of advising individuals and families affected by or at risk of
genetic disorders to help them understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial
implications of genetic contributions to disease. Genetic counselors play an important role in
providing expert genetic services. They are trained to present often complex and difficult-to-
comprehend information to families and patients about genetic risks, testing, and diagnosis;
discuss available options; and provide counseling services and referrals to educational and
support services. The process integrates:

 Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence
or recurrence.

 Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources

 Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

The goals of genetic counseling are to increase understanding of genetic diseases, discuss
disease management options, and explain the risks and benefits of testing. Counseling
sessions focus on giving vital, unbiased information and non-directive assistance in the
patient's decision-making process. Seymour Kessler, in 1979, first categorized sessions in
five phases: an intake phase, an initial contact phase, the encounter phase, the
summary phase, and a follow-up phase. The intake and follow-up phases occur outside
of the actual counseling session. The initial contact phase is when the counselor and
families meet and build rapport. The encounter phase includes dialogue between the
counselor and the client about the nature of screening and diagnostic tests. The summary
phase provides all the options and decisions available for the next step. If patients wish to
go ahead with testing, an appointment is organized and the genetic counselor acts as the
person to communicate the results.