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Munung NS, Nnodu OE, Moru PO, Kalu AA, Impouma B, Treadwell MJ, Wonkam A. Looking ahead: ethical and social challenges of somatic gene therapy for sickle cell disease in Africa. Gene Ther 2024; 31:202-208. [PMID: 38012299 PMCID: PMC11090833 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00429-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Somatic gene therapy will be one of the most exciting practices of genetic medicine in Africa and is primed to offer a "new life" for persons living with sickle cell disease (SCD). Recently, successful gene therapy trials for SCD in the USA have sparked a ray of hope within the SCD community in Africa. However, the high cost, estimated to exceed 1.5 million USD, continues to be a major concern for many stakeholders. While affordability is a key global health equity consideration, it is equally important to reflect on other ethical, legal and social issues (ELSIs) that may impact the responsible implementation of gene therapy for SCD in Africa. These include informed consent comprehension, risk of therapeutic misestimation and optimistic bias; priorities for SCD therapy trials; dearth of ethical and regulatory oversight for gene therapy in many African countries; identifying a favourable risk-benefit ratio; criteria for the selection of trial participants; decisional conflict in consent; standards of care; bounded justice; and genetic tourism. Given these ELSIs, we suggest that researchers, pharma, funders, global health agencies, ethics committees, science councils and SCD patient support/advocacy groups should work together to co-develop: (1) patient-centric governance for gene therapy in Africa, (2) public engagement and education materials, and (3) decision making toolkits for trial participants. It is also critical to establish harmonised ethical and regulatory frameworks for gene therapy in Africa, and for global health agencies to accelerate access to basic care for SCD in Africa, while simultaneously strengthening capacity for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nchangwi Syntia Munung
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Obiageli E Nnodu
- Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA), University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Ohiani Moru
- Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA), University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Akpaka A Kalu
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Benido Impouma
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Marsha J Treadwell
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, University of California San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- McKusick-Nathans Institute & Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Luseno WK, Iritani BJ, Hartman S, Odongo FS, Otieno FA, Ongili BO, Rennie S. Assessment of Consent Comprehension Among Kenyan Adolescents, Young Adults, and Parents: Comparison of Enhanced and Standard Consenting Procedures. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:605-612. [PMID: 38069940 PMCID: PMC10873115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Youth aged 15-19 years and parents of minors aged 15-17 years in sub-Saharan Africa are under-represented in empirical consent research. Thus, knowledge is limited concerning the adequacy of consent procedures and need for strategies to improve consent comprehension among these groups. We assessed comprehension following standard consent procedures and evaluated an enhanced procedure among Kenyan youth and parents. METHODS Participants were adolescents aged 15-17 years (n = 273), their parents (n = 196), and young adults aged 18-19 years (n = 196). We used a quasi-experimental cohort design to implement standard and enhanced (single condition: extended discussion, test/feedback) consent procedures. Participants completed a 21-item informed consent comprehension assessment instrument. RESULTS After standard consent procedures, mean comprehension scores were 11.36, 13.64, and 13.43 (score range: 0-21) among adolescents, young adults, and parents, respectively. About 6.2% of adolescents, 19.6% of young adults, and 21.4% of parents answered ≥ 80% of the questions correctly. After the enhanced procedures, comprehension scores (15.87 adolescents, 17.81 young adults, and 16.77 parents) and proportions answering ≥ 80% of the questions correctly (44.9% adolescents, 76.8% young adults, and 64.3% parents) increased significantly. Regression analysis indicated statistically significant differences (p < .001) in comprehension scores between the enhanced and standard groups (β = 3.87 adolescents, β = 4.03 young adults, and β = 3.60 parents) after controlling for sociodemographic factors. DISCUSSION Enhancing consent procedures with extended discussions, quizzes, and additional explanation where understanding is inadequate is a promising approach for improving comprehension. However, poorer comprehension among adolescents compared to young adults and parents underscores the need for research to identify additional approaches to improve understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bonita J Iritani
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Shane Hartman
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Fredrick S Odongo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Barrack Otieno Ongili
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Stuart Rennie
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Munung NS, Kamga KK, Treadwell MJ, Dennis-Antwi J, Anie KA, Bukini D, Makani J, Wonkam A. Perceptions and preferences for genetic testing for sickle cell disease or trait: a qualitative study in Cameroon, Ghana and Tanzania. Eur J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s41431-024-01553-7. [PMID: 38374470 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a single gene blood disorder characterised by frequent episodes of pain, chronic anaemic, acute chest syndrome, severe disease complications and lifelong debilitating multi-system organ damage. Genetic testing and screening programs for SCD and the sickle cell trait (SCT) are valuable for early diagnosis and management of children living with SCD, and in the identification of carriers of SCT. People with SCT are for the most part asymptomatic and mainly identified as through genetic testing or when they have a child with SCD. This qualitative study explored perceptions towards genetic testing for SCD and SCT in Cameroon, Ghana, and Tanzania. The results show a general preference for newborn screening for SCD over prenatal and premarital/preconception testing, primarily due to its simpler decision-making process and lower risk for stigmatization. Premarital testing for SCT was perceived to be of low public health value, as couples are unlikely to alter their marriage plans despite being aware of their risk of having a child with SCD. Adolescents were identified as a more suitable population for SCT testing. In the case of prenatal testing, major concerns were centred on cultural, religious, and personal values on pregnancy termination. The study revealed a gender dimension to SCD/SCT testing. Participants mentionned that women bear a heightened burden of decision making in SCD/SCT testing, face a higher risk of rejection by potential in-laws/partners if the carriers of SCT, as well as the possibility of divorce if they have a child with SCD. The study highlights the complex cultural, ethical, religious and social dynamics surrounding genetic testing for SCD and emphasises the need for public education on SCD and the necessity of incorporating genetic and psychosocial counselling into SCD/SCT testing programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Kengne Kamga
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Capetown, South Africa
- Medical Genetic Service, Regional Hospital Limbe, Limbe, Cameroon
| | - Marsha J Treadwell
- University of California San Francisco Department of Pediatrics/Division of Hematology, Oakland, CA, USA
| | | | - Kofi A Anie
- London Northwest University HealthCare (NHS) Trust, London, UK
- Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Daima Bukini
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Julie Makani
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Capetown, South Africa.
- McKusick-Nathans Institute & Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Munung NS, Treadwell M, Kamga KK, Dennis-Antwi J, Anie K, Bukini D, Makani J, Wonkam A. Caught between pity, explicit bias, and discrimination: a qualitative study on the impact of stigma on the quality of life of persons living with sickle cell disease in three African countries. Qual Life Res 2024; 33:423-432. [PMID: 37889387 PMCID: PMC10850006 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03533-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder characterized by unpredictable episodes of acute pain and numerous health complications. Individuals with SCD often face stigma from the public, including perceptions that they are lazy or weak tending to exaggerate their pain crisis, which can profoundly impact their quality of life (QoL). METHODS In a qualitative phenomenological study conducted in Cameroon, Ghana, and Tanzania, we explored stakeholders' perceptions of SCD-related stigma using three analytical frameworks: Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory; The Health Stigma and Discriminatory Framework; and A Public Health Framework for Reducing Stigma. RESULTS The study reveals that SCD-related stigma is marked by prejudice, negative labelling and social discrimination, with derogatory terms such as sickler, ogbanje (one who comes and goes), sika besa (money will finish), ene mewu (I can die today, I can die tomorrow), vampire (one who consumes human blood), and Efiewura (landlord-of the hospital), commonly used to refer to individuals living with SCD. Drivers of stigma include frequent crises and hospitalizations, distinct physical features of individuals living with SCD, cultural misconceptions about SCD and its association with early mortality. Proposed strategies for mitigating stigma include public health education campaigns about SCD, integrating SCD into school curricula, healthcare worker training and community engagement. CONCLUSION The results highlight the importance of challenging stigmatizing narratives on SCD and recognizing that stigmatization represents a social injustice that significantly diminishes the QoL of individuals living with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nchangwi Syntia Munung
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Marsha Treadwell
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Hematology, University of California San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Karen Kengne Kamga
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Kofi Anie
- London Northwest University Healthcare (NHS) Trust, Harrow, UK
- Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Daima Bukini
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Julie Makani
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
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Namuddu MG, Kiguli J, Nakibuuka V, Nantale R, Mukunya D. Acceptability of donated breast milk among pregnant women in selected hospitals in central Uganda: a cross-sectional study. Int Breastfeed J 2023; 18:32. [PMID: 37328896 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-023-00569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Donated breast milk is considered beneficial to vulnerable infants. Thus, Uganda launched its first human milk bank in November 2021 to provide breast milk to preterm, low birthweight and sick babies. However, there is a scarcity of information on the acceptability of donated breast milk in Uganda. The study sought to assess the acceptability of using donated breast milk and associated factors among pregnant women at a private and a public hospital in central Uganda. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled pregnant women attending antenatal care at the selected hospitals between July and October 2020. All pregnant women recruited had already given birth to at least one child. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and we recruited participants through systematic sampling. Used frequencies, percentages and means with standard deviations to summarize variables. Assessed the association between the acceptability of donated milk and selected factors by comparing their arithmetic means using a generalized linear model to allow for clustering at the health facility level. Used a normal distribution and an identity link and calculated the adjusted mean differences together with 95% CIs [generated using robust variance estimators to correct for model misspecification]. RESULTS A total of 244 pregnant women with a mean age of 30 (± 5.25) years were enrolled. Sixty-one-point 5% (150/244) of the women reported that they would accept donated breast milk. Higher education (adjusted mean difference, technical versus primary level: 1.33; 95% CI 0.64, 2.02), being Muslim (adjusted mean difference, Muslim versus Christian: 1.24; 95% CI 0.77, 1.70), having heard of donated breast milk banking (adjusted mean difference, ever versus never: 0.62; 95% CI 0.18, 1.06) and presence of a serious medical condition (adjusted mean difference, preference of donated milk versus other feeds in a serious medical condition: 3.96; 95% CI, 3.28, 4.64) were associated with acceptability of donated breast milk. CONCLUSIONS The acceptability of using donated breast milk for infant feeding was high among pregnant women. Public sensitization and education campaigns are indispensable for the acceptability of donated milk. These programs should be designed to include women with lower education levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Gorreth Namuddu
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda.
| | - Juliet Kiguli
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Victoria Nakibuuka
- Department of Paediatrics, Nsambya Hospital, Kampala, P.O. Box 7146, Uganda
| | - Ritah Nantale
- Department of Community and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale, P.O. Box 1460, Uganda
| | - David Mukunya
- Department of Community and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale, P.O. Box 1460, Uganda
- Department of Research, Nikao Medical Center, Kampala, Uganda
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Kishore RR, Gupta M, Gupta K. A new era dawns on sickle cell disease in India. Indian J Med Res 2023; 157:491-493. [PMID: 37530303 PMCID: PMC10466490 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1045_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R. R. Kishore
- Indian Society of Health Laws & Ethics, New Delhi, India
| | - Mihir Gupta
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
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