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Domaradzki J, Majchrowska A, Cielecka-Piontek J, Walkowiak D. Do biobanks need pharmacists? Support of pharmacy students to biobanking of human biological material for pharmaceutical research and development. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1406866. [PMID: 38799162 PMCID: PMC11117077 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1406866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to assess the biobank awareness among Polish pharmacy students and how it affects their support for biobank research. Methods A survey among 366 pharmacy students enrolled at two Polish medical universities: the Poznań University of Medical Sciences and Medical University of Lublin was conducted. Results Although most pharmacy students felt positivity about biobanking and expressed the willingness to donate their biospecimens for biomedical research, their awareness on research biobanks was low. Their willingness to participate was driven by the desire to benefit society, help advance science and develop new therapies. While students supported donation for most types of research, biobanks run by medical universities were the highest trusted research institutions. The primary factors associated with student's willingness to participate were religiosity and place of study. Notably, nonreligious students and those studying in Poznan exhibited more favourable attitudes toward donating for research and expressed greater support for the establishment of research biobanks in Poland. Conclusion Since biobank awareness among future pharmacists is inadequate incorporating biobank competency domains into education and training of pharmacists is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Anita Majchrowska
- Chair and Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Judyta Cielecka-Piontek
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Healthcare, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Walkowiak D, Miraleyeva A, Batyrova T, Domaradzki J. Support for Research Biobanks Among Medical Students in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Biopreserv Biobank 2024. [PMID: 38527285 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2023.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Over the past few years, several biobanks have been organized in the Republic of Kazakhstan (RoK). As research biobanks are becoming an increasingly important tool for precision medicine, they require competent biobankers who will help disseminate the idea of biobanking throughout the society and support donation for research purposes. This study aimed to assess the support for research biobanks among medical students (MSs) in Kazakhstan. Methods: This research includes data from an anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire regarding MSs' support for research biobanks in the RoK. Results: Only 212 (31.3%) MSs have heard of biobanks and 466 (68.7%) have not. Students who were biobank-aware held more positive views regarding biobanks, were more likely to support the idea of establishing a research biobank in Kazakhstan, and expressed a greater willingness to donate their biological material for research purposes. Students' awareness of biobanks was also associated with the respondents' motivations to donate. Students who were familiar with biobanks tended to be motivated by altruistic reasons more often, and those unfamiliar with biobanks tended to indicate selfish motives. Students' attitudes toward donation to various types of research and biobanks were influenced by their awareness of biobanks, any family history of genetic disease, experience of chronic disease, declared religiousness, hospitalization history, blood donor status, and year of study. Conclusion: Since MSs' awareness of research biobanks is low, there is an urgent need for biobank education in Kazakhstan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Alua Miraleyeva
- Department of Psychology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Tamara Batyrova
- Department of Normal Physiology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Domaradzki J, Czekajewska J, Walkowiak D. To donate or not to donate? Future healthcare professionals' opinions on biobanking of human biological material for research purposes. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:53. [PMID: 37481540 PMCID: PMC10363302 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00930-z] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last few decades biobanks have been recognised as institutions that may revolutionise biomedical research and the development of personalised medicine. Poland, however, still lacks clear regulations regarding the running of biobanks and the conducting of biomedical research. While the awareness of the general public regarding biobanks is low, healthcare professions and medical students also lack basic knowledge regarding biobanks, and such ignorance may affect their support for biobanks. METHODS This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge and attitudes of future healthcare professionals towards the donation of human biological material for research purposes and is based on a sample of 865 Polish medical students at Poznań University of Medical Sciences. RESULTS This research has shown that the awareness of medical students' regarding biobanks is low. It has also shown that while the majority of future healthcare professionals enrolled in this study supported the idea of biobank research and declared themselves willing to donate, still many students felt ambivalent about the biobanking of human biological material for research purposes and expressed concerns over biobanking research. While the primarily motivation to participate in biobank research was the desire to help advance science and to develop innovative therapies, the most common reason for a refusal was the fear that the government, insurance companies or employers, might have access to the samples. Concerns over unethical use of samples and data safety were also prevalent. More than half of students opted for a study-specific model of consent and only a few opted for broad consent. CONCLUSIONS This research suggests that a lack of knowledge about biobanks, their role and activities may affect medical students' support for biobanks and their active participation in the collection and management of biospecimens for research purposes. Since in the future medical, nursing and pharmacy students will be involved in the collection, storage, testing and analysis of biospecimens from their patients, medical students in all professional fields should be trained regarding the concept, purposes and operational procedures of biobanks, as well as the ethical, legal and social implications of biobank research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 7, St., Poznań, 60-806, Poland.
| | - Justyna Czekajewska
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 7, St., Poznań, 60-806, Poland
| | - Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Buhmeida A, Assidi M, Alyazidi O, Olwi DI, Althuwaylimi A, Yahya FM, Arfaoui L, Merdad L, Abuzenadah AM. Assessment of Biobanking Knowledge and Attitudes towards Biospecimen Donation among Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11872. [PMID: 36231176 PMCID: PMC9565163 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biobanking is a critical cornerstone of the global shift towards precision medicine (PM). This transformation requires smooth and informed interaction between a range of stakeholders involved in the healthcare system. In Saudi Arabia, there is still insufficient awareness of the importance of biobanking and its potential benefits for patients, the healthcare system, and society as a whole. The purpose of this study was to determine the biobanking knowledge of Saudi healthcare providers and the potential factors that might influence their self-reported attitudes toward biospecimen donation and biobanking. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting 636 healthcare providers in Makkah province using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS The study had a response rate of 61%. The mean knowledge level about biobanks was 3.5 (±1.8) out of 7. About one-third of the participants were aware of the Human Genome Project (HGP) (35%) or the term "biobank" (34%). The mean rating of their attitude was 37.3 (±4.3) out of 55. Most participants (74%) had a positive attitude toward medical research. Job position, general health, previous blood tests, knowledge of biobanking, and attitudes toward biomedical research were significantly related and predictors of willingness to donate biospecimens (p < 0.05). However, concerns about biospecimen misuse and confidentiality were the main reasons for not donating biospecimens. CONCLUSIONS This study has shown that healthcare providers mostly lack basic knowledge about HGP and biobanks and their roles and activities, and therefore are generally disinclined to actively participate in biospecimens' collection and management. It is recommended that medical trainees receive more education and awareness about biobanks and the latest personalized healthcare approaches to improve translational research outcomes and achieve precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbaset Buhmeida
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mourad Assidi
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Alyazidi
- Public Health Administration, Directorate of Health Affairs of Jeddah Region, Ministry of Health, Jeddah 23222, Saudi Arabia
| | - Duaa Ibrahim Olwi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah 22384, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 22384, Saudi Arabia
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Ahmed Althuwaylimi
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Fatimah M. Yahya
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leila Arfaoui
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leena Merdad
- Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Mohammad Abuzenadah
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
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Abd ElHafeez S, Ahram M, Abdelhafiz AS, Ibrahim ME, Mostafa NT, Elgamri A, Mohammed Z, Abdelgawad F, Elsebaie E, Gamel E, Shahouri M, Adarmouch L, El Rhazi K, Silverman H. Development and Validation of a Biobank Questionnaire Intended for the Public in the Arab Region. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 19:422-431. [PMID: 34280039 PMCID: PMC8573808 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2021.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Assessing the public perspectives regarding donation of biospecimens to biobanks would be helpful with the establishment of biobanks in the Arab region. Objective: To develop a biobanking questionnaire in Arabic and assess its psychometric properties. Design: Multicenter cross-sectional study. Methods: We used a two-step process for questionnaire development. First, we decided on the important constructs for a questionnaire followed by development of an item pool through review of the scientific literature and published questionnaires. The questionnaire was refined through cognitive interviews and translation. An expert panel assessed content validity. The final questionnaire included five domains: perceptions; aspects important to participation in biobank research; preferences for type of biobank; attitudes toward biobanking; and willingness to participate in biobank research. Second, we distributed the questionnaire to 250 members of the public from Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, and Morocco to assess the questionnaire's psychometric properties, including reliability (internal consistency and Cronbach's alpha) and construct validity (convergent and divergent validity and exploratory factor analysis [EFA]). Results: Internal consistency yielded a range of Cronbach's alpha for the five domains from 0.62 to 0.80. EFA showed a 12-factorial solution. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0.907 and Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (p < 0.005). Attitudes were positively correlated with willingness to donate (r = 0.30; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The final biobank Arabic language questionnaire showed excellent reliability and acceptable validity parameters. The newly developed Arabic questionnaire is the first psychometrically tested tool that can be used in the Arab region to assess the public perspectives on participation in biobanking research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Abd ElHafeez
- Epidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mamoun Ahram
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmed Samir Abdelhafiz
- Department of Clinical pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha Emad Ibrahim
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | | | - Alya Elgamri
- Department of Orthodontics, Pediatric dentistry and Preventive dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Zeinab Mohammed
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Fatma Abdelgawad
- Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health Department, Faculty of Dentistry, and Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Elsebaie
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ehsan Gamel
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Latifa Adarmouch
- Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Karima El Rhazi
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Henry Silverman
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Knowledge, perceptions and attitude of Egyptian physicians towards biobanking issues. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248401. [PMID: 33770108 PMCID: PMC7996976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Collection and storage of biospecimens and data for biobanking raise many ethical concerns. Stakeholders’ opinions about these ethical issues are important since they can help in the development of ethical guidelines to govern biobanking activities. Physicians are among the important stakeholders since they contact potential participants and could be biobank users. The goal of this study is to evaluate the perceptions and attitude of Egyptian physicians towards ethical issues in biobanking. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was designed and distributed with the target group between November 2019 and January 2020. Results The questionnaire was completed by 223 physicians. While 65.5% reported hearing the term "Biobanking" before, 45.7% knew that there are biobanks in Egypt. Participants had a general positive attitude towards the value of biobanks in research. About 73% agreed that biobanks can share biospecimens with international research organizations, but only 42.6% supported collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, and 44% agreed to the use of user fees by biobanks. About 48% supported the use of broad consent in biobanks, and 73.1% believed that donors of biospecimens should be informed about results of research performed on their biospecimens. Conclusion Although many Egyptian physicians heard about biobanking, they had limited knowledge about the existence of biobanks in Egypt. They had concerns about commercialization, use of broad consent and user fees. A knowledge gap exists among these stakeholders, which should be covered by different educational activities. Community discussions should start to reach consensus about the issues of commercialization and return of research results.
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Morocco's First Biobank: Establishment, Ethical Issues, Biomedical Research Opportunities, and Challenges. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8812609. [PMID: 33376744 PMCID: PMC7738781 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8812609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Biobanks are highly organized infrastructures that allow the storage of human biological specimens associated with donors' personal and clinical data. These infrastructures play a key role in the development of translational medical research. In this context, we launched, in November 2015, the first biobank in Morocco (BRO Biobank) in order to promote biomedical research and provide opportunities to include Moroccan and North African ethnic groups in international biomedical studies. Here, we present the setup and the sample characteristics of BRO Biobank. Methods Patients were recruited at several departments of two major health-care centers in the city of Oujda. Healthy donors were enrolled during blood donation campaigns all over Eastern Morocco. From each participant, personal, clinical, and biomedical data were collected, and several biospecimens were stored. Standard operating procedures have been established in accordance with international guidelines on human biobanks. Results Between November 2015 and July 2020, 2446 participants were recruited into the BRO Biobank, of whom 2013 were healthy donors, and 433 were patients. For healthy donors, the median age was 35 years with a range between 18 and 65 years and the consanguinity rate was 28.96%. For patients, the median age was 11 years with a range between 1 day and 83 years. Among these patients, 55% had rare diseases (hemoglobinopathies, intellectual disabilities, disorders of sex differentiation, myopathies, etc.), 13% had lung cancer, 4% suffered from hematological neoplasms, 3% were from the kidney transplantation project, and 25% had unknown diagnoses. The BRO Biobank has collected 5092 biospecimens, including blood, white blood cells, plasma, serum, urine, frozen tissue, FFPE tissue, and nucleic acids. A sample quality control has been implemented and suggested that samples of the BRO Biobank are of high quality and therefore suitable for high-throughput nucleic acid analysis. Conclusions The BRO Biobank is the largest sample collection in Morocco, and it is ready to provide samples to national and international research projects. Therefore, the BRO Biobank is a valuable resource for advancing translational medical research.
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