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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Munung NS, Nembaware V, Osei-Tutu L, Treadwell M, Chide OE, Bukini D, Tutuba H, Wonkam A. Assent, parental consent and reconsent for health research in Africa: thematic analysis of national guidelines and lessons from the SickleInAfrica registry. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:130. [PMID: 36482457 PMCID: PMC9730625 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00843-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The enrolment of children and adolescents in health research requires that attention to be paid to specific assent and consent requirements such as the age range for seeking assent; conditions for parental consent (and waivers); the age group required to provide written assent; content of assent forms; if separate assent and parental consent forms should be used, consent from emancipated young adults; reconsent at the age of adulthood when a waiver of assent requirements may be appropriate and the conditions for waiving assent requirements. There is however very little available information for researchers and ethics committees on how to navigate these different issues. To provide guidance to research initiatives, the SickleInAfrica consortium conducted a thematic analysis of a sample of research ethics guidelines and procedures in African countries, to identify guidance for assent requirements in health research. The thematic analysis revealed that 12 of 24 African countries specified the age group for which assent is required. The minimum age for written assent varied across the countries. Five countries, Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Nigeria and The Democratic Republic of Congo require consent from both parents/family council in certain circumstances. Botswana, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda have specific assent/consent requirements for research with emancipated minors. South Africa and Algeria requires re-consent at onset of adulthood. Five countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania) specified conditions for waiving assent requirements. The CIOMS and the ICH-GCP guidelines had the most comprehensive information on assent requirements compared to other international guidelines. An interactive map with assent requirements for different African countries is provided. The results show a major gap in national regulations for the inclusion of minors in health research. The SickleInAfrica experience in setting up a multi-country SCD registry in Africa highlights the need for developing and harmonising national and international guidelines on assent and consent requirements for research involving minors. Harmonisation of assent requirements will help facilitate collaborative research across countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nchangwi Syntia Munung
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Victoria Nembaware
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Marsha Treadwell
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Okocha Emmanuel Chide
- grid.470111.20000 0004 1783 5514Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra Nigeria
| | - Daima Bukini
- grid.25867.3e0000 0001 1481 7466Sickle Cell Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hilda Tutuba
- grid.25867.3e0000 0001 1481 7466Sickle Cell Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Ambroise Wonkam
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.469474.c0000 0000 8617 4175McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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Bukini D, Nkya S, McCurdy S, Mbekenga C, Manji K, Parker M, Makani J. Perspectives on Building Sustainable Newborn Screening Programs for Sickle Cell Disease: Experience from Tanzania. Int J Neonatal Screen 2021; 7:ijns7010012. [PMID: 33652550 PMCID: PMC7930989 DOI: 10.3390/ijns7010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of sickle cell disease is high in Africa, with significant public health effects on the affected countries. Many of the countries with the highest prevalence of the disease also have poor health care systems and a high burden of infectious diseases with many other competing health care priorities. Although considerable efforts have been made to implement newborn screening for sickle cell disease programs in Africa, coverage is still low. Tanzania has one of the highest birth prevalence of children with sickle cell disease in Africa. In 2015, the country implemented a pilot project for Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease to assess feasibility. Several efforts have been made afterwards to continue providing the screening services as well as related comprehensive care services. Using qualitative methods, we conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with policy makers (n = 4), health care providers (n = 21) and families (n = 15) to provide an analysis of their experiences and perspectives on efforts to expand and sustain newborn screening for sickle cell disease and related comprehensive care services in the country. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data through the framework analysis method. The findings have demonstrated both the opportunities and areas that need addressing in the implementation and sustainability of the services in low resource settings. A key area of strengthening is full integration of the services in countries' health care systems to facilitate the coverage, accessibility and affordability of the services. Although the coverage of newborn screening services for sickle cell disease is still low, efforts at the local level to sustain the implementation of the programs and related comprehensive care services are encouraging and can be used as a model for other programs implemented in low resources settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daima Bukini
- Sickle Cell Programme, Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; (S.N.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Siana Nkya
- Sickle Cell Programme, Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; (S.N.); (J.M.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P.O. Box 2329 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sheryl McCurdy
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Centre at Houston, School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Columba Mbekenga
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 38129 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
| | - Karim Manji
- Department of Pediatrics & Child health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
| | - Michael Parker
- Welcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK;
| | - Julie Makani
- Sickle Cell Programme, Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; (S.N.); (J.M.)
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Nembaware V, Mazandu GK, Hotchkiss J, Safari Serufuri JM, Kent J, Kengne AP, Anie K, Munung NS, Bukini D, Bitoungui VJN, Munube D, Chirwa U, Chunda-Liyoka C, Jonathan A, Flor-Park MV, Esoh KK, Jonas M, Mnika K, Oosterwyk C, Masamu U, Morrice J, Uwineza A, Nguweneza A, Banda K, Nyanor I, Adjei DN, Siebu NE, Nkanyemka M, Kuona P, Tayo BO, Campbell A, Oron AP, Nnodu OE, Painstil V, Makani J, Mulder N, Wonkam A. The Sickle Cell Disease Ontology: Enabling Collaborative Research and Co-Designing of New Planetary Health Applications. OMICS 2020; 24:559-567. [PMID: 33021900 PMCID: PMC7549008 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2020.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common blood disorders impacting planetary health. Over 300,000 newborns are diagnosed with SCD each year globally, with an increasing trend. The sickle cell disease ontology (SCDO) is the most comprehensive multidisciplinary SCD knowledge portal. The SCDO was collaboratively developed by the SCDO working group, which includes experts in SCD and data standards from across the globe. This expert review presents highlights and lessons learned from the fourth SCDO workshop that marked the beginning of applications toward planetary health impact, and with an eye to empower and cultivate multisite SCD collaborative research. The workshop was organized by the Sickle Africa Data Coordinating Center (SADaCC) and attended by 44 participants from 14 countries, with 2 participants connecting remotely. Notably, from the standpoint of democratizing and innovating scientific meeting design, an SCD patient advocate also presented at the workshop, giving a broader real-life perspective on patients' aspirations, needs, and challenges. A major component of the workshop was new approaches to harness SCDO to harmonize data elements used by different studies. This was facilitated by a web-based platform onto which participants uploaded data elements from previous or ongoing SCD-relevant research studies before the workshop, making multisite collaborative research studies based on existing SCD data possible, including multisite cohort, SCD global clinical trials, and SCD community engagement approaches. Trainees presented proposals for systematic literature reviews in key SCD research areas. This expert review emphasizes potential and prospects of SCDO-enabled data standards and harmonization to facilitate large-scale global SCD collaborative initiatives. As the fields of public and global health continue to broaden toward planetary health, the SCDO is well poised to play a prominent role to decipher SCD pathophysiology further, and co-design diagnostics and therapeutics innovation in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Nembaware
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gaston K Mazandu
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jade Hotchkiss
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Jill Kent
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Andre Pascal Kengne
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kofi Anie
- London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust and Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sickle Cell Disease Genomics Network of Africa (SickleGenAfrica), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nchangwi Syntia Munung
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daima Bukini
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Valentina Josiane Ngo Bitoungui
- Department of Microbiology, Hematology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Deogratias Munube
- Department of Paediatric and Child Health, Makerere University/Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Uzima Chirwa
- University Teaching Hospitals-Children's Hospital, University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Catherine Chunda-Liyoka
- University Teaching Hospitals-Children's Hospital, University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Agnes Jonathan
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Miriam V Flor-Park
- Onco-hematology Unit, Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kevin Kum Esoh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
| | - Mario Jonas
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khuthala Mnika
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chandré Oosterwyk
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Upendo Masamu
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jack Morrice
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Annette Uwineza
- University of Rwanda, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Arthemon Nguweneza
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kambe Banda
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Isaac Nyanor
- Kumasi Centre for Sickle Cell Disease, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - David Nana Adjei
- Sickle Cell Disease Genomics Network of Africa (SickleGenAfrica), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nathan Edward Siebu
- Sickle Cell Disease Genomics Network of Africa (SickleGenAfrica), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Malula Nkanyemka
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Patience Kuona
- University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Bamidele O Tayo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrew Campbell
- Division of Hematology, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Assaf P Oron
- Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, Washington, USA
| | - Obiageli E Nnodu
- Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Vivian Painstil
- Department of Child Health, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Julie Makani
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nicola Mulder
- Computational Biology Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Bukini D, Mbekenga C, Nkya S, Purvis L, McCurdy S, Parker M, Makani J. A qualitative study on aspects of consent for genomic research in communities with low literacy. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:48. [PMID: 32532327 PMCID: PMC7291634 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00488-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low literacy of study participants in Sub - Saharan Africa has been associated with poor comprehension during the consenting process in research participation. The concerns in comprehension are far greater when consenting to participate in genomic studies due to the complexity of the science involved. While efforts are made to explore possibilities of applying genomic technologies in diseases prevalent in Sub Saharan Africa, we ought to develop methods to improve participants' comprehension for genomic studies. The purpose of this study was to understand different approaches that can be used to seek consent from individuals with low literacy in Sub-Saharan African countries in genomic research to improve comprehension. METHODS Using qualitative study design, we conducted focus-group discussions, in-depth interviews and participant observations as data collection methods. This study was embedded in a hospital based genomic study on Sickle Cell Disease at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the transcripts and field notes. RESULTS Findings from this study show that literacy level has little influence on understanding the research details. According to the participants of this study, the methods used to provide information, the language, and time spent with the study participants were the key factors influencing understanding. The availability of group sessions held before individual consent to allow for a detailed questions and answers format was agreed to be the best method to facilitate the comprehension. CONCLUSION The quality of the consenting process of participants will be influence by a number of factors. The type of research consented for, where the research will be implemented and who are the potential study participants are amongst the factors that need to be assessed during the consenting. Measures to improve participants' comprehension need to be developed when consenting participants with low literacy level in genomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daima Bukini
- Sickle Cell Programme, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, UN Road, Upanga, Block 9, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Columba Mbekenga
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Siana Nkya
- Sickle Cell Programme, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, UN Road, Upanga, Block 9, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lisa Purvis
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Centre, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Sheryl McCurdy
- University of Texas Health Science Centre at Houston, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Parker
- Welcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julie Makani
- Sickle Cell Programme, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, UN Road, Upanga, Block 9, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Munung NS, Nembaware V, de Vries J, Bukini D, Tluway F, Treadwell M, Sangeda RZ, Mazandu G, Jonas M, Paintsil V, Nnodu OE, Balandya E, Makani J, Wonkam A. Establishing a Multi-Country Sickle Cell Disease Registry in Africa: Ethical Considerations. Front Genet 2019; 10:943. [PMID: 31649726 PMCID: PMC6795756 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most prevalent genetic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a chronic, lifelong disease often characterized by severe pain. However, SCD has received little investment terms of health research, though there is currently a growing pool of SCD data from health and research facilities in different countries. To facilitate research on SCD in Africa, the SickleInAfrica consortium has established a SickleInAfrica registry. The registry will store a systematic collection of longitudinal data from persons with SCD across sub-Saharan Africa, and currently, participants are being enrolled in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. In establishing this registry, the SickleInAfrica consortium decided to actively identify and anticipate possible ethical issues that may arise in the development and management of the registry. This was motivated, in part, by the near absence of well documented ethical issues for registry research in Africa, more-so for registries enrolling participants across multiple countries and for a genetic condition. The consortium aims to establish standards for the equitable use of data stored in the registry. This paper presents a comprehensive report on the ethical considerations that came up in setting up a genetic disease registry across multiple African countries and how they were addressed by the SickleInAfrica consortium. Major issues included: active involvement of patients in the initiation and management of the registry; questions of assent and re-consent; the importance of ensuring that fears of exploitation are not replicated in African–African research collaborations; and the importance of public engagement in the management of registries. Drawing on this experience, SickleInAfrica plans to set up an ethics helpdesk for genetic disease registries and research in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nchangwi Syntia Munung
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,SickleInAfrica Data Coordinating Centre (SADaCC), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Victoria Nembaware
- SickleInAfrica Data Coordinating Centre (SADaCC), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jantina de Vries
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daima Bukini
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Furahini Tluway
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Marsha Treadwell
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, California, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, UCSF School of Medicine, California, United States
| | - Raphael Zozimus Sangeda
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.,Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gaston Mazandu
- SickleInAfrica Data Coordinating Centre (SADaCC), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mario Jonas
- SickleInAfrica Data Coordinating Centre (SADaCC), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vivian Paintsil
- Department of Child Health, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Obiageli E Nnodu
- Center for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Balandya
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Julie Makani
- Sickle Cell Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- SickleInAfrica Data Coordinating Centre (SADaCC), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Bukini D, deVries J, Treadwell M, Anie K, Dennis-Antwi J, Kamga KK, McCurdy S, Ohene-Frempong K, Makani J, Wonkam A. Exploring the Role of Shared Decision Making in the Consent Process for Pediatric Genomics Research in Cameroon, Tanzania, and Ghana. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2019; 10:182-189. [PMID: 31379268 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2019.1645759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: It is customarily perceived that in Africa, decisions around research participation may be based not only on individual reflection but also on discussions with others. Some authors have argued that such decision making is reflective of a more traditional communitarian African worldview; one critique of such a perspective is that it is lacking an empirical grounding. In this study, we explore decision making around enrollment in sickle cell genomics research in three countries in Africa, namely, Ghana, Cameroon, and Tanzania. Particularly, we focus on exploring the role of shared decision making with regard to participating in genomic studies. Results: We involved 64 participants in 15 individual interviews or in 49 focus-group discussions with research participants in rural and urban Tanzania (n = 20), Ghana (n = 30), and Cameroon (n = 14). We used a vignette to explore decision making around enrollment of children in sickle cell genomics research. Data were imported in NVivo11 and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Our findings indicate that the majority of the participants from both rural and urban settings prefer to make their own individual decisions and not consult with extended family or community leaders. Shared decision making was only considered necessary for individuals who were perceived to be in some way vulnerable. Conclusion: We found very limited support for shared decision making as the primary process for decision making about research participation. While consultation was considered important to support individual decision making, particularly when parents were perceived as vulnerable, there was no suggestion in our data that shared decision making would be a more important or valuable means of seeking consent for research participation in the African research context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daima Bukini
- a Sickle Cell Disease Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences , Dar es Salaam , Tanzania
| | - Jantina deVries
- b Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Marsha Treadwell
- c Department of Hematology/Oncology, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland , Oakland , California , USA
| | - Kofi Anie
- d Haematology and Sickle Cell Centre, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust & Imperial College London , London , UK
| | | | - Karene Kengne Kamga
- f Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I , Yaoundé , Cameroon
| | - Sheryl McCurdy
- g Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health , Houston , Texas , USA
| | | | - Julie Makani
- a Sickle Cell Disease Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences , Dar es Salaam , Tanzania
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- i Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
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Treadwell MJ, Makani J, Ohene-Frempong K, Ofori-Acquah S, McCurdy S, de Vries J, Bukini D, Dennis-Antwi J, Kamga KK, Mbekenga C, Wonkam ET, Tangwa G, Royal CD, Wonkam A. Stakeholder Perspectives on Public Health Genomics Applications for Sickle Cell Disease: A Methodology for a Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Qualitative Research Study. OMICS 2017; 21:323-332. [PMCID: PMC5488382 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2017.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Advances in omics technologies alone are not a guarantee that science will translate to robust responsible innovation that is firmly grounded in societal values. This study aimed to identify best practices for Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) research in Africa that allows for optimal integration of community perspectives into the design and implementation of genomics research. In a large sample of 346 stakeholders in Cameroon, Ghana, and Tanzania (59% women), we used a qualitative study design with a phenomenological approach and conducted 32 group and 74 individual interviews (25% rural). We imported interview recordings into NVivo software for analysis. We created a “concept map” to organize the coded information, with Perspectives on Genomics and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Public Health Interventions as the central themes. We found that (1) analyses of major subthemes across and within countries revealed differential knowledge and experiences of SCD, and perspectives on various aspects of research and genomics; (2) we were able to gather empirical data efficiently from urban and rural stakeholders, to study the issues related to sample sharing, consent processes, and return of clinical and genomic study results; (3) the concept of nondirectiveness in modern genetic medicine practice can be challenged by the views of stakeholders in the context of a high-burden disease such as SCD; and (4) linking community views to current and proposed public health interventions could be understood within the context of each specific country. Our work informs future qualitative social science and technology policy research designs on genomics applications in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha J. Treadwell
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA
| | - Julie Makani
- Sickle Cell Disease Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Solomon Ofori-Acquah
- Center for Translational and International Hematology, Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sheryl McCurdy
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
| | - Jantina de Vries
- Bioethics Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daima Bukini
- Sickle Cell Disease Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Karen Kengne Kamga
- University of Yaoundé 1, Faculty of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Columba Mbekenga
- Sickle Cell Disease Programme, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Edmond Tingang Wonkam
- University of Yaoundé 1, Faculty of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Godfrey Tangwa
- University of Yaoundé 1, Faculty of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Charmaine D. Royal
- Center on Genomics, Race, Identity, Difference (GRID), Duke University, Durham
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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