1
|
Jameel T, Baig M, Murad MA, Gazzaz ZJ, Mal Y, Alyoubi WE, Alyoubi GH, Alaslani ST, Alshuaibi HA, Nawaz A, Alkaabi T. Consanguineous marriages, premarital screening, and genetic testing: a survey among Saudi university students. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1328300. [PMID: 38577288 PMCID: PMC10993994 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1328300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Marriage among cousins or close relatives, i.e., consanguinity, is prevalent in many parts of the world, especially the Muslim world. Across civilizations, cultural norms, religious beliefs, and economic factors affect consanguineous marriages (CMs); however, such marriages have social, genetic, and health repercussions. The present study investigated the university students' attitudes regarding CMs and factors influencing their attitudes at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted at KAU Jeddah in 2023. The questionnaire was distributed via electronic media (Emails, Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp). The convenience sampling technique was used to select participants, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data on SPSS-26. Results A total of 1707 university students were part of the study (females, 1,198, 70.2%; males, 509, 29.8%). Almost half of the participants, 819 (48.0%), had parents with CMs. Most of the participants, 1,391 (81.5%), had CMs in the family. Half of the participants disagreed that parents consider marriage stable due to high compatibility and the same social relationship before and after marriage. About one-third of respondents said parents believe family marriage transmits cultural values and continuity and keeps wealth in the family. More than three-fourths of the participants stated that if marriage is arranged with first cousins, they will opt for genetic analysis (82.5%) and premarital counseling (85.2%). The personal attitudes of females (p < 0.001), undergraduate (p = 0.02), and health sciences students (p = 0.02) were more positive than their counterparts. Males (OR = 0.41; p < 0.001) and non-health sciences students (OR = 0.68; p = 0.01) were less likely to have significant positive attitudes than their counterparts. Among participants who had CM parents, males (OR = 0.397; p < 0.001) and non-health sciences students (OR = 0.60; p = 0.01) and urban residents (OR = 0.59; p = 0.01) had significantly lower odds of having a positive attitude than their counterparts. Conclusion The practice of CMs is still prevalent in Saudi culture, with almost half of the participants having CM parents and the majority reporting these marriages in their families. Personal attitudes toward CMs were extremely positive. Most students prefer genetic testing and premarital counseling if marrying first cousins. Gender, faculty, parental income, and educational background influenced participants' attitudes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Jameel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mukhtiar Baig
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal Abdulaziz Murad
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zohair Jamil Gazzaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Youssof Mal
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wedyan Eid Alyoubi
- Medical Students, Faculty of Medicine Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadi Hamed Alyoubi
- Medical Students, Faculty of Medicine Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shoug Tawfiq Alaslani
- Medical Students, Faculty of Medicine Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ayesha Nawaz
- SHO, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Turki Alkaabi
- Medical Students, Faculty of Medicine Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jairoun AA, Al-Hemyari SS, Shahwan M, Karuniawati H, Zyoud SH, Abu-Gharbieh E, Zyoud SH, Al-Ani M, Habeb M, Jairoun M. Assessing Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the Risks and Prevention of Consanguineous Marriage: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:1251-1263. [PMID: 38524860 PMCID: PMC10961071 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s449348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies indicate a correlation between consanguinity and genetic disorders, congenital malformations, harm to reproductive health, and increased child mortality. Objective To assess students' knowledge and attitudes about risks and prevention of consanguineous marriage. Methods Demographic details of the participants and data on knowledge and attitudes concerning the risks and prevention of consanguineous marriage were obtained using an online self-administered questionnaire. The factors associated with good knowledge and attitude toward consanguineous marriage were investigated by logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 667 participants enrolled in the study. The average knowledge score about consanguineous marriage risk and prevention was 78.6% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [77.3, 79.8], and the average attitude was 79.7% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [79, 80.6]. A better knowledge score was observed in older participants (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.004-1.024), females (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.48-1.94), participants with parental history of consanguinity (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.17-1.52), participants with family history of consanguineous marriage (OR 5.18; 95% CI 2.19-7.10), and participants with family history of inherited disease (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.25-1.86). Conclusion In general, the overall level of knowledge and attitudes toward consanguineous marriage risk and prevention was good among university students. To efficiently control and manage the adverse health impacts associated with consanguineous marriage, there is an urgent need to develop and implement evidence-based counseling and screening programs for consanguineous marriage that would significantly reduce the number of at-risk marriages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Abdulrahman Jairoun
- Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang, 11800, Malaysia
| | - Sabaa Saleh Al-Hemyari
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang, 11800, Malaysia
- Pharmacy Department, Emirates Health Services, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hidayah Karuniawati
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang, 11800, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, 57102, Indonesia
| | - Samer H Zyoud
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Mathematics and Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Nonlinear Dynamics Research Center (NDRC), Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, 11800, Malaysia
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sa’ed H Zyoud
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
- Clinical Research Centre, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839, Palestine
| | - Mena Al-Ani
- Developmental Biology & Cancer Department, University College London, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Mustafa Habeb
- Edgware Community Hospital Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Maimona Jairoun
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al-Ashwal A, Alsagheir A, Al Dubayee M, Al-Khnifsawi M, Al-Sarraf A, Awan Z, Ben-Omran T, Al-Yaarubi S, Almutair A, Habeb A, Maatouk F, Alshareef M, Kholaif N, Blom D. Modern approaches to the management of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in the Middle East and North Africa. J Clin Lipidol 2024; 18:e132-e141. [PMID: 38158247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) is a severe form of FH in which inheritance of two defective or null mutations in genes associated with metabolism of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) results in extremely high LDL-C, premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and mortality. Treatment of HoFH comprises a multi-modal approach of statins, ezetimibe, lipoprotein apheresis; and inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type, angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein. These treatments are generally costly, and patients also often require treatment for ASCVD consequent to HoFH. Therefore, in the interests of both economics and preservation of life, disease prevention via genetic screening and counselling is rapidly becoming a key element in the overall management of HoFH. Guidelines are available to assist diagnosis and treatment of HoFH; however, while advancements have been made in the management of the disease, there has been little systematic attention paid to prevention. Additionally, the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region has a higher prevalence of HoFH than most other regions - chiefly due to consanguinity. This has led to the establishment of regional lipid clinics and awareness programs that have thrown education and awareness of HoFH into sharp focus. Incorporation of principles of prevention, education, awareness, and data from real-world use of existing therapeutics will significantly enhance the effectiveness of future guidelines for the management of HoFH, particularly in the MENA region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al-Ashwal
- Medical & Clinical Affairs, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Dr Al-Ashwal)
| | - Afaf Alsagheir
- Pediatrics Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Dr Alsagheir)
| | - Mohammed Al Dubayee
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia (Dr Al Dubayee)
| | | | - Ahmed Al-Sarraf
- Sabah Al Ahmad Cardiac Center, Department Cardiology, Ministry of Health, Kuwait (Dr Al-Sarraf)
| | - Zuhier Awan
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Abdullah Sulayman, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Dr Awan)
| | - Tawfeg Ben-Omran
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Sidra Medicine and Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar (Dr Ben-Omran)
| | - Saif Al-Yaarubi
- Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman (Dr Al-Yaarubi)
| | - Angham Almutair
- King Abdullah Specialised Children's Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Dr Almutair)
| | - Abdelhadi Habeb
- Pediatric Department, Prince Mohamed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Madinah, Saudi Arabia (Dr Habeb)
| | - Faouzi Maatouk
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Tunisia (Dr Maatouk)
| | - Manal Alshareef
- National Guard Hospital, Prince Mutib Ibn Abdullah Rd, National Guard District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Dr Alshareef)
| | - Naji Kholaif
- Heart Centre Cardiology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Dr Kholaif); Alfaisal University College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Dr Kholaif)
| | - Dirk Blom
- Division of Lipidology, Department of Medicine and Cape Heart Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (Dr Blom)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rao E, Kumar Chandraker S, Misha Singh M, Kumar R. Global distribution of β-thalassemia mutations: An update. Gene 2024; 896:148022. [PMID: 38007159 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
One excellent illustration of how a single gene abnormality may result in a spectrum of disease incidence is the incredible phenotypic variety of β-thalassemia, which spans from severe anemia and transfusion needs to an utterly asymptomatic sickness. However, genetic causes of β-thalassemia and how the anemia's severity might be altered at various stages in its pathophysiology have been well investigated. There are currently known to be more than 350 mutations that cause genetic disease. However only 20 β thalassemia mutations account for more than 80% of the β thalassemia mutation across the globe due to phenomenon of geographical clustering where each population has a few common mutations together with a varying number of rare ones. Due to migration of the population, the spectrum of thalassemia mutation in changing from time to time. In this review, efforts are made to collate β globin gene mutations in different countries and populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Rao
- ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, M.P, India
| | | | - Mable Misha Singh
- Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Ravindra Kumar
- ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, M.P, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hakim Zada F, Ahmad Azahari AHS, Wong SW, Ali A, Ismail NAS. Understanding Challenges of Genetic Testing on Neuromuscular Disorders from the Parental Lens. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1652. [PMID: 38138879 PMCID: PMC10744978 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13121652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders, characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, present substantial challenges to both affected individuals and their families. Genetic testing assumes a pivotal role in facilitating early diagnosis, intervention, treatment, and informed family planning for these conditions. The objective of this qualitative study is to delve into the knowledge, awareness, and perceptions surrounding genetic testing within the cohort of parents caring for individuals with neuromuscular disorders in Malaysia. A semi-structured interview approach was employed to elicit data from parents of individuals diagnosed with neuromuscular disorders, encompassing those with clinical diagnoses and those diagnosed through genetic testing. Examination of the interview responses yielded nine overarching themes, which furnish invaluable insights into the perspectives of Malaysian parents concerning genetic testing. The study discerned several challenges associated with genetic testing, notably encompassing the limited awareness among parents, the financial constraints associated with genetic testing, and the perceived significance of genetic testing in the context of neuromuscular disorders. The findings suggest that the level of knowledge and awareness pertaining to genetic testing for neuromuscular disorders among parents in Malaysia varies, with initial levels of awareness ranging from relatively low to reasonably sufficient prior to and following the birth of an affected child. However, the investigation revealed that parents tended to cultivate more favorable perceptions regarding genetic testing subsequent to their experience with genetic counseling. This underscores the potential for heightened awareness and comprehension as a consequence of the personal experience of parenting an affected child confirmed through genetic testing and genetic counseling, ultimately influencing parental awareness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farheen Hakim Zada
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (F.H.Z.); (A.H.S.A.A.); (S.W.W.); (A.A.)
| | - Ahmad Hazim Syakir Ahmad Azahari
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (F.H.Z.); (A.H.S.A.A.); (S.W.W.); (A.A.)
| | - Sau Wei Wong
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (F.H.Z.); (A.H.S.A.A.); (S.W.W.); (A.A.)
| | - Adli Ali
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (F.H.Z.); (A.H.S.A.A.); (S.W.W.); (A.A.)
- Research Centre, Hospital Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani, UKM Specialist Children’s Hospital, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Noor Akmal Shareela Ismail
- Research Centre, Hospital Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani, UKM Specialist Children’s Hospital, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Elhadi YAM, Alrawa SS, Alfadul ESA, Mahgoub EAA, El-Osta A, Belal SA, Lucero-Prisno DE, El Dabbah NA, Yahia A. Consanguinity and willingness to perform premarital genetic screening in Sudan. Eur J Hum Genet 2023:10.1038/s41431-023-01438-1. [PMID: 37528188 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01438-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Consanguineous marriage is prevalent in certain world regions due to cultural, economic, and social reasons. However, it can lead to negative consequences including an increased risk of genetic disorders in offspring. Premarital genetic screening (PMGS) is an important tool to identify and manage these risks before marriage. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of consanguineous marriage, knowledge of genetic diseases and PMGS, and attitudes and willingness to perform PMGS in Sudan. A national household survey was conducted using a multistage sampling technique, with a sample size of 2272 participants. Data were collected from December 2022 to March 2023 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A significant proportion of respondents (364/850, 42.8%) were married to consanguineal partners, with various types of relatedness. Moreover, 32.1% (242/755) of single respondents were planning to marry a close relative, signifying the likely persistence of consanguineous marriages in Sudan. The level of knowledge regarding genetic diseases and PMGS was relatively low in many states of Sudan, indicating the need for increased awareness interventions. A significant number of participants (85.2%) agreed that premarital screening is effective in reducing genetic diseases, whereas 71.2% supported the introduction of a mandatory PMGS program. Excluding married participants, 82.3% (1265/1537) of respondents were willing to perform PMGS, if implemented. These findings reflect the public positive attitude towards introducing the PMGS program and policies in Sudan and underscore the importance of addressing the knowledge gap of PMGS before such a potential implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Salma S Alrawa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | - Austen El-Osta
- Self-Care Academic Research Unit (SCARU), School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Noha Ahmed El Dabbah
- Department of Health Administration and Behavioural Sciences, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Yahia
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Patrinos D, Ghaly M, Al-Shafai M, Zawati MH. Legal approaches to risk of harm in genetic counseling: perspectives from Quebec and Qatar. Front Genet 2023; 14:1190421. [PMID: 37576562 PMCID: PMC10416622 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1190421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic counseling is a fast-growing profession worldwide, with genetic counselors taking on increasingly comprehensive and autonomous roles in the healthcare sector. However, the absence of appropriate legal frameworks could potentially create risks of harm to the public. Legal recognition serves to protect the public from risk of harm by regulating the safe and competent practice of healthcare professionals. Genetic counseling is not legally recognized in most world jurisdictions. Examination of the legal status of genetic counseling in different jurisdictions and whether existing legal mechanisms are adequate to address potential risks of harm is therefore timely. This paper examines the different roles of genetic counselors in the Canadian province of Quebec and the state of Qatar, the authors' respective jurisdictions. It considers the types of harms that may be created where appropriate legal mechanisms are lacking, considering the socio-political and legal differences between the two jurisdictions. Moreover, it examines the legal status of genetic counseling in Quebec and Qatar to determine whether these statuses appropriately address the identified risks of harm. The authors argue that existing legal frameworks are inadequate to address these risks and recommend that additional regulatory mechanisms be implemented to properly protect the public from risks of harm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Patrinos
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mohammed Ghaly
- Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics, College of Islamic Studies, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mashael Al-Shafai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ma’n H. Zawati
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hristova-Atanasova E, Iskrov G, Atanasov I, Genc A, Stefanov R. What is the awareness of rare diseases among medical students? A survey in Bulgaria. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:213. [PMID: 37491304 PMCID: PMC10369688 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rare diseases (RDs) are life-threatening or chronically debilitating and offer a high level of complexity. The aim of this study is to assess medical students' knowledge and awareness of RDs as well as their perceptions of potential measures to boost training in RDs. The cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, in 2019. The questionnaire contained 12 questions, divided into three main categories: (1) sociodemographic profile; (2) knowledge and awareness of RDs; and (3) attitudes about potential measures to improve training in RDs. RESULTS A total of 1189 medical students completed the survey with an overall response rate of 56.4%. Only 13% of participants knew the correct definition of RDs, and a low overall level of awareness was found with regard to orphan drugs (20.3%) and genetic counselling and testing (0.5%). Respondents believed that society as a whole was largely unaware of RDs as a major public health issue. Students suggested elective courses, and invited lectures by RDs experts, and participation in research projects as the most preferred measures to improve undergraduate training. CONCLUSIONS It is crucial to address the gaps in medical students' knowledge and awareness of RDs. University curricula should consider incorporating different RDs training modalities. It is essential to encourage various stakeholders to play a more proactive role and to collaborate in these activities. Involvement of patient organisations and advocacy groups might enhance students' knowledge of the challenges faced by people with RDs. Not least, the media should be partners in this important endeavour as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Hristova-Atanasova
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Iskrov
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute for Rare Diseases, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Atanasov
- Department of Pediatrics, Pulmed University Hospital, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Atilla Genc
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Rumen Stefanov
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute for Rare Diseases, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Saleem U, Aslam N, Siddique R, Iqbal S, Manan M. Hepatitis C virus: Its prevalence, risk factors and genotype distribution in Pakistan. EUR J INFLAMM 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x221144391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a dangerous liver disease transmitted by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV constitutes an important health issue in Pakistan. In Pakistani setting HCV is found frequently and is recognized as an alarming health problem. In this cross sectional study we reviewed published data regarding the seroprevalence of hepatitis C in general community, blood donors and pregnant females and risk factors linked with its occurrence in Pakistan. Data retrieved from163 studies published from 2001 to 2022 was utilized and weighted mean was calculated. Data of 1,875,232 individuals was collected and arranged into three groups, depending upon the population type such as (1) general population, (2) pregnant women, (3) blood donors. General population (765,426) and blood donors (973,260) formed the most of population. Mean Hepatitis C virus prevalence in general public and blood donors was 16.47% and 8.2% respectively. In pregnant females (136,546) the mean frequency was 9.3%. This study exhibits that the frequency of Hepatitis C in general population, pregnant females and blood donors groups was 11.32%. The data suggested that risks factors for transmitting HCV infection in Pakistan include unsterilized needle use, blood transfusions, shaving by barbers, lack of trained staff, needle stick injuries, injection drug users, household contacts/spousal transmission, unsterilized dental and surgical Instruments, improper disposal of hospital waste, poor infra-structure and others. The frequency of HCV infection is distressing in Pakistan. Health education and awareness programs are needed for decreasing Hepatitis C infection in Pakistan. The data necessitate the implementation of preventive and remedial approaches to decrease the disease load and mortality in Pakistan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Nosheen Aslam
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rida Siddique
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Shabnoor Iqbal
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Maria Manan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|