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Santoalaya C, Malhotra J, Fowler JA, Warzywoda S, Debattista J, Mills DJ, Lau C, Furuya-Kanamori L, Durham J, Mullens AB, Istiko SN, Dean JA. Sexual and reproductive health integration into pre-travel consultations: a scoping review. J Travel Med 2024:taae024. [PMID: 38340322 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taae024] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Casual sex during travel is a major preventable factor in the global transmission of sexually transmissible infections (STI). Pre-travel consults present an excellent opportunity for practitioners to educate travellers about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and safety. The scoping review aims to explore and understand the extent to which SRH is included in pre-travel consultations. METHODS PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Medline and Web of Science were systematically searched for primary research articles exploring whether health care practitioners (HCP) included SRH in pre-travel consultations. Extracted findings were synthesised and presented in narrative form. RESULTS Findings across 13 articles suggest HCP infrequently broached SRH in pre-travel consultations with HCP discomfort, and lack of time and resources presented as key barriers. Urban practice settings, HCP experience, training in travel medicine, and traveller characteristics such as sexual orientation were positively correlated with discussions about SRH. SRH advice reported was general in nature, primarily focusing on safer sex, condoms, or unspecified STI advice. Risk assessments based solely on age or stereotypes around sexual preferences led to key aspects of SRH care being missed for some (e.g. SRH was less likely to be discussed with older travellers). CONCLUSIONS HCPs frequently miss opportunities to integrate SRH into pre-travel consultations. Strategies to promote HCP confidence and awareness present a promising means to boost the frequency and quality of SRH advice disseminated. Integrating culturally safe and responsive SRH history-taking and advice into pre-travel consultations may contribute to global reductions in STI transmission and promote traveller SRH well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Santoalaya
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juhi Malhotra
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - James A Fowler
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Warzywoda
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joe Debattista
- Metro North Public Health Unit, Metro North Hospital and Health Service
| | | | - Colleen Lau
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jo Durham
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amy B Mullens
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Satrio Nindyo Istiko
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Judith A Dean
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Warzywoda S, Fowler JA, Debattista J, Mills DJ, Furuya-Kanamori L, Durham J, Lau CL, Mullens AB, Istiko SN, Santaolaya C, Malhotra J, Dean JA. The provision of sexual and reproductive health information and services to travellers: an exploratory survey of Australian travel medicine clinicians. Sex Health 2024; 21:SH23098. [PMID: 38219736 DOI: 10.1071/sh23098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International travel can increase the risk of exposure to infectious diseases including sexually transmissible infections (STI). Pre-travel medical consultation provides an opportunity for travel-related health risk assessments and advice. This study explored how travel medicine clinicians integrate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services into clinical practice. METHODS A convenience sample of travel medicine clinicians completed a cross-sectional survey online or via hard-copy disseminated at an annual national Australian travel medicine conference. RESULTS Of the 67 respondents, most (n , 51; 76.1%) had a postgraduate qualification relevant to travel medicine and 55.2% (n , 37) had worked in travel medicine for over 10years. Only 22.4% (n , 15) reported conducting a SRH history/STI risk assessment for all travel patients. STI testing pre-departure was conducted on patient request (48, 71.6%), if symptomatic (32, 47.8%) or based on risk history (28, 41.8%). SRH information pre-departure was most frequently provided if prompted by patient questions (n , 42; 62.7%), or based on the patient's history (n , 37; 55.2%). Over half the sample (n , 40; 59.7%) expressed interest in further training in SRH. CONCLUSION Providing and engaging with additional training may assist travel medicine clinicians to take a more proactive approach to SRH consultations and STI testing. Additional research is needed to explore models of care that will allow comprehensive SRH and STI services to be integrated into standard pre- and post-travel care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Warzywoda
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - James A Fowler
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Joe Debattista
- Metro North Public Health Unit, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Windsor, Qld, Australia
| | - Deborah J Mills
- Dr Deb The Travel Doctor, Travel Medicine Alliance, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; and UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Qld, Australia
| | - Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Qld, Australia
| | - Jo Durham
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Faculty of Health Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Qld, Australia
| | - Colleen L Lau
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Qld, Australia
| | - Amy B Mullens
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Qld, Australia
| | - Satrio Nindyo Istiko
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Carlos Santaolaya
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Juhi Malhotra
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Judith A Dean
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Istiko SN, Remata S, Ndayizeye A, Moreno MEV, Kirunda V, Hollingdrake O, Osborne R, Hou JZ, Abell B, Mullens AB, Gu Z, Debattista J, Vujcich D, Lobo R, Parma G, Howard C, Durham J. Developing critical HIV health literacy: insights from interviews with priority migrant communities in Queensland, Australia. Cult Health Sex 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37950430 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2265960] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
In Australia, surveillance data establish that there are higher rates of late HIV diagnoses among heterosexual migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa and new HIV diagnoses among gay and bisexual men (GBM) from Southeast and Northeast Asia and Latin America. Together, these groups are identified as priority migrant communities in current efforts to eliminate HIV transmissions. HIV health literacy is recognised as a key means of improving access to services and health outcomes. This qualitative paper explores critical HIV health literacy among priority migrant communities in Queensland, Australia. To foreground community voices, peer researchers from priority migrant communities participated in the project design, data collection and analysis, with 20 interviews completed. The findings demonstrate how participants' engagement with HIV health information and services is highly relational and situated within the framework of sexual health and wellbeing. Participants strategically selected where to seek information and who they trusted to help them appraise this information. They further demonstrated reflective capacities in identifying the contextual barriers that inhibit the development of their HIV health literacy. The findings highlight the need for HIV health promotion strategies that embrace a sex positive approach, promote cultural change, and involve collaboration with general practitioners (GPs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Satrio Nindyo Istiko
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simeon Remata
- Queensland Positive People, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- ACON, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aimable Ndayizeye
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Miguel Eduardo Valencia Moreno
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vanessa Kirunda
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Olivia Hollingdrake
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard Osborne
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenny Zhengye Hou
- Faculty of Creative Industries, Education, and Social Justice, School of Communication/Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bridget Abell
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy B Mullens
- Centre for Health Research, School of Psychology and Wellbeing, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zhihong Gu
- Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joseph Debattista
- Metro North Public Health Unit, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Vujcich
- Curtin School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Roanna Lobo
- Curtin School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gianna Parma
- True Relationships & Reproductive Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Howard
- Queensland Positive People, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jo Durham
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Vidgen ME, Cutler K, Bean J, Bunker D, Fowles LF, Healy L, Hondow G, Istiko SN, McInerney-Leo AM, Pratt G, Robins D, Waddell N, Evans E. Community input in a genomic health implementation program: Perspectives of a community advisory group. Front Genet 2022; 13:892475. [PMID: 35938017 PMCID: PMC9355292 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.892475] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumer and community engagement (CCE) in the implementation of genomics into health services and associated research is needed to ensure that changes benefit the affected patients. Queensland Genomics was a program to implement genomics into a public health service. We describe its Community Advisory Group’s (CAG) structure and function and provide recommendations based on the CAG members’ perspectives. The CAG provided advice to the Queensland Genomics program and its projects in an advisory capacity. The CAG was also resourced to develop and lead community-focused activities. Key enablers for CAG included; diversity of CAG members’ skills and experience, adequate resourcing, and the CAG’s ability to self-determine their direction. The CAG experienced limitations due to a lack of mechanisms to implement CCE in the Program’s projects. Here, we provide insights and commentary on this CAG, which will be useful for other initiatives seeking to undertake CCE in genomic research and health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda E. Vidgen
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Correspondence: Miranda E. Vidgen, ; Nicola Waddell,
| | - Katrina Cutler
- Queensland Genomics, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Health Translation Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Jessica Bean
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Bunker
- Queensland Genomics, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Health Translation Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lindsay F. Fowles
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Louise Healy
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gary Hondow
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Aideen M. McInerney-Leo
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Dermatology Research Centre, University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gregory Pratt
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Deborah Robins
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicola Waddell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Correspondence: Miranda E. Vidgen, ; Nicola Waddell,
| | - Erin Evans
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Health Consumers Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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5
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Khalpey Z, Fitzgerald L, Howard C, Istiko SN, Dean J, Mutch A. Peer navigators' role in supporting people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Australia: Qualitative exploration of general practitioners' perspectives. Health Soc Care Community 2022; 30:1353-1362. [PMID: 34101291 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The redefining of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from an acute disease to a manageable chronic illness has reshaped the focus of care, emphasising clinical outcomes and sidelining the complex social barriers many people living with HIV (PLHIV) still face. This parallels changes in the location of HIV care in Australia, with many PLHIV seeking care from private general practitioners whose ability to address complex social issues is constrained by limitations of time and resources. In response, peer navigation has emerged as a model of care implemented by some HIV-based community health organisations seeking to support PLHIV's biomedical and psychosocial needs. However, there is limited understanding of how peer navigation operates in community settings or of the way these programmes integrate with primary care. This paper is the first to explore peer navigation from the perspective of general practitioners (GPs), with experience in treating PLHIV, to understand the role they see for peer navigators (PNs) in supporting PLHIV. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with six GPs (11.5% of specialty HIV GPs in Queensland, Australia) to examine their views and experiences of peer navigation in the context of HIV care. GPs highlighted the complexities of care for PLHIV and the need for additional resources and supports for psychosocial care. GPs valued peer navigation as part of a patient support network and bridge to health and social care systems. PNs normalised HIV, alleviating fear and stigma, educating and translating clinical information for patients. However, a key challenge was the absence of direct communication pathways with PNs. Peer navigation has clear potential in supporting the care of PLHIV, to alleviate constraints in GP settings and expand HIV care beyond the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoyah Khalpey
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Fitzgerald
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Howard
- Queensland Positive People (QPP), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Satrio Nindyo Istiko
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Judith Dean
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Allyson Mutch
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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6
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Vidgen ME, Fowles LF, Istiko SN, Evans E, Cutler K, Sullivan K, Bean J, Healy L, Hondow G, McInerney-Leo AM, Pratt G, Robins D, Best S, Finlay K, Ramarao-Milne P, Waddell N. Evaluation of a Genetics Education Program for Health Interpreters: A Pilot Study. Front Genet 2022; 12:771892. [PMID: 35186003 PMCID: PMC8850313 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.771892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Health Interpreters enable effective communication between health practitioners and patients with limited knowledge of the predominant language. This study developed and evaluated a training session introducing Health Interpreters to genetics. The online training was delivered multiple times as a single 2-h session comprising lectures and activities. Participants completed questionnaires (pre-, post-, and 6-months follow-up) to assess the impact of training on knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and self-reported practice behaviour. Questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s Exact, or independent t-test. In total, 118 interpreters participated in the training sessions. Respondent knowledge improved, with gains maintained at 6-months (p < 0.01). There were no changes in self-efficacy, and attitudes. Training did not change self-reported practice behaviour, but there was notable pre-existing variability in participants’ methods of managing unknown genetic words. Most respondents agreed that training was useful (93%) and relevant (79%) to their work. More respondents reported learning more from the case study activity (86%) than the group activity (58%). Health Interpreters found the training acceptable and demonstrated sustained improvement in knowledge of genetic concepts. Increased delivery of this training and associated research is needed to assess findings in a larger cohort and to measure the impact on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda E. Vidgen
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Miranda E. Vidgen,
| | - Lindsay F. Fowles
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Satrio Nindyo Istiko
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Erin Evans
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Health Consumers Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Katrina Cutler
- Queensland Genomics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate Sullivan
- Queensland Genomics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jessica Bean
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Louise Healy
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gary Hondow
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Aideen M. McInerney-Leo
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gregory Pratt
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Deborah Robins
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephanie Best
- Australian Genomics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Keri Finlay
- Australian Genomics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Genetic Support Network of Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Priya Ramarao-Milne
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Health and Biosecurity, CSIRO, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicola Waddell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Genomics Community Advisory Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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7
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Wallingford CK, Cutler K, Istiko SN, Fowles LF, Lamb R, Bean J, Healy L, Hondow G, Pratt G, Vidgen ME, Waddell N, Evans E, Bunker D, McInerney-Leo AM. Queensland Consumers' Awareness and Understanding of Clinical Genetics Services. Front Genet 2020; 11:537743. [PMID: 33193608 PMCID: PMC7593610 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.537743] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As genetic testing becomes increasingly utilized in health care, consumer awareness and understanding is critical. Both are reported to be low in Australia, though there are limited studies to date. A consumer survey assessed perceived knowledge, awareness and attitudes toward genetic medicine, prior to consumers’ genomics forums in Queensland in 2018 and 2019. Data was analyzed using t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests analysis to detect any associations between sociodemographic factors and familiarity or attitudes. This highly educated and experienced health consumer cohort reported they were significantly more familiar with the healthcare system generally than genetic medicine specifically (p < 0.0001). Consumers perceived that genetic testing would be significantly more important in the future than it is currently (p < 0.00001). Consumers agreed that genetic testing should be promoted (91.4%), made available (100%), better funded (94.2%), and offered to all pregnant women (81.6%). The preferred learning modality about genetics was internet sites (62.7%) followed by talks/presentations (30.8%). Benefits of genetic testing, reported in qualitative responses, included the potential for additional information to promote personal control and improve healthcare. Perceived concerns included ethical implications (including privacy and discrimination), and current limitations of science, knowledge and/or practice. This study demonstrates that even knowledgeable consumers have little familiarity with genetic medicine but are optimistic about its potential benefits. Ethical concerns, particularly concerns regarding genetic discrimination should inform legislation and policy. Consumers are supportive of online resources in increasing genomic literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney K Wallingford
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Lindsay F Fowles
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel Lamb
- Queensland Genomics, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Gary Hondow
- Queensland Genomics, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gregory Pratt
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Miranda E Vidgen
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicola Waddell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Erin Evans
- Queensland Genomics, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Aideen M McInerney-Leo
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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