Katharina Tschigg, Luca Consoli, Norbert Brüggemann, Andrew A Hicks, Ciara Staunton, Deborah Mascalzoni, Roberta Biasiotto
{"title":"How to communicate and what to disclose to participants in a recall-by-genotype research approach: a multistep empirical study.","authors":"Katharina Tschigg, Luca Consoli, Norbert Brüggemann, Andrew A Hicks, Ciara Staunton, Deborah Mascalzoni, Roberta Biasiotto","doi":"10.1007/s12687-024-00733-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12687-024-00733-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recall-by-genotype (RbG) is a bottom-up approach using existing genetic data to design follow-up stratified studies. Genetic information may be partially disclosed at invitation, thus raising ethical issues which call for defined best practices for disclosure and communication in RbG approaches. Within the context of the ProtectMove sub-project of the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study, we investigated research participant perspectives on RbG communication strategies (Step 1 and 4, questionnaire with a subsample of CHRIS participants with and without previous experience of RbG, respectively). Additionally, we explored researchers' and study personnel's experience with RbG (Step 2 and 3, focus group discussion). In step 1 (N = 95), participants were generally satisfied with the study process. Most (71.6%) wanted to know their carrier status for personal and collective benefit. Tailored disclosure strategies and transparent, effective, and well-thought-out communication approaches were advocated by study personnel (Step 2, N = 6) and researchers (Step 3, N = 7). Challenges in dealing with uncertainty, concerns caused by RbG invitations, and the possibility of misunderstanding were also raised. In step 4 (N = 369), participants valued being informed of study details at the first invitation stage, and generally felt comfortable towards RbG study invitations (58.5%) and to receiving genetic information after the study (58.5-81.6%). Comfort and perceived impact of disclosure of genetic information varied according to the type of variant being potentially disclosed. This study suggested designing communication strategies, based on clear and understandable explanations, sensitive to participant expectations and preferences, developing case-by-case solutions for disclosure.</p>","PeriodicalId":46965,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Community Genetics","volume":" ","pages":"615-630"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11645387/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142336837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Do not overlook the possibility of genome-edited somatic cells ending up in the human germline.","authors":"Alexis Heng Boon Chin, Ningyu Sun","doi":"10.1007/s12687-024-00741-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12687-024-00741-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Most debates on human germline genome editing have limited discussions to just genetic modifications of sperm and eggs (gametes), their precursors within testicular or ovarian tissues, and preimplantation human embryos. What has largely been overlooked is that genome editing of somatic (non-reproductive) cells can also become heritable and can potentially be transmitted to future generations of human offspring under specific experimental conditions, due to the emergence of various new technology platforms. Most notably, the reprogramming of human somatic cells to a pluripotent \"embryonic stem cell-like\" state (i.e. induced pluripotent stem cells), has opened up the possibility that genome editing performed on human somatic cells can also be transmitted to future generations of human offspring when combined with other new technology platforms, such as in vitro gametogenesis, chimeric and synthetic embryos. Additionally, due to high levels of plasticity and extensive tissue remodeling within the human fetus during gestation, it is speculated that genome editing performed on fetal somatic cells intended for fetal gene therapy in utero may be unintentionally transmitted to the human germline. Hence, there should be strict regulatory oversight to ensure that any genome-edited somatic cell that ends up in the human germline via such aforementioned technology platforms does so in strict compliance with relevant legislation and ethical guidelines, especially that pertaining to safety issues with genome editing technology and its potential misuse in human enhancement and eugenics.</p>","PeriodicalId":46965,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Community Genetics","volume":" ","pages":"749-752"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11645330/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142394191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Erica M Bednar, Roni Nitecki Wilke, Kirsten Jorgensen, Michael T Walsh, Stephanie Nutt, Karen H Lu, Leandro Nóbrega, Aline Patricia Soares Dias De Souza, Gabriela da Silva Oliveira, Carlos Eduardo Mattos da Cunha Andrade, Nelson Purizaca-Rosillo, Pamela Mora, Aldo López Blanco, Lenny N Gallardo-Alvarado, David Cantú-de León, J Alejandro Rauh-Hain
{"title":"Feasibility of an environmental scan-based approach to collecting information about factors impacting cancer genetics services in Latin American countries.","authors":"Erica M Bednar, Roni Nitecki Wilke, Kirsten Jorgensen, Michael T Walsh, Stephanie Nutt, Karen H Lu, Leandro Nóbrega, Aline Patricia Soares Dias De Souza, Gabriela da Silva Oliveira, Carlos Eduardo Mattos da Cunha Andrade, Nelson Purizaca-Rosillo, Pamela Mora, Aldo López Blanco, Lenny N Gallardo-Alvarado, David Cantú-de León, J Alejandro Rauh-Hain","doi":"10.1007/s12687-024-00744-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12687-024-00744-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Clinical cancer genetics services are expanding globally, but national policy and health care systems influence availability and implementation. Understanding the environmental factors within a country is required to appropriately implement, adapt, and evaluate cancer genetics service delivery models. An environmental scan (ES) is an approach used in business, public health, health care and other sectors to collect information about an environment or system for strategic decision making and program planning. An ES has been previously used to assess cancer genetics clinic-level factors to inform quality improvement efforts in the United States. We assessed the feasibility of using an ES to collect information about factors that may influence cancer genetics service delivery in the outer-most socio-ecological model environmental levels (policy, national agencies, healthcare systems, cultural considerations) in three Latin American countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Oncology and Genetics care team members at three participating sites used publicly available sources and personal experiences to complete a data collection form (DCF) that included questions about subtopics: laws and policies, relevant agencies and regulations, health care systems and insurance, and cultural considerations. Time to complete the DCF and DCF completeness were used to measure ES feasibility.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participating sites completed the DCF in 3 months, and most questions (average, 87.0%) were answered. Questions in the cultural considerations subtopic had the fewest answers (average, 77.8%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, the ES was feasible and identified a lack of published literature related to cultural considerations impacting health care and genetics services uptake in Latin America. Environmental factors impact cancer genetics services, and identification of these factors will facilitate future collaborative research and genetics service delivery dissemination efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":46965,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Community Genetics","volume":" ","pages":"681-686"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11645378/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142477468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purva Reddy Jayaram, Sahana Devadas, Paridhi Jain, Gayathri Devi C
{"title":"Knowledge, attitude and acceptance regarding bone marrow transplantation in caregivers of beta-thalassemia major patients.","authors":"Purva Reddy Jayaram, Sahana Devadas, Paridhi Jain, Gayathri Devi C","doi":"10.1007/s12687-024-00739-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12687-024-00739-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Knowledge, Attitude, and Acceptance regarding Bone marrow transplantation in caregivers of beta-thalassemia major patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among the caregivers of pediatric patients with betathalassemia major in blood transfusion centres in Bangalore, India. Their knowledge, attitude, and acceptance regarding bone marrow transplantation were assessed using a validated questionnaire. The study aimed to identify factors that influence caregivers' decision about bone marrow transplantation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of the caregivers towards bone marrow transplantation are shown to depend on gender, education and socio-economic status. The results of this study reveal that male caregivers generally exhibited higher levels of knowledge and had a better attitude towards it as compared to their female counterparts. Higher education and socio-economic status were associated with better knowledge, more favourable attitudes and a higher acceptance towards the procedure.</p>","PeriodicalId":46965,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Community Genetics","volume":" ","pages":"673-679"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11645398/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142401605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Larissa Siqueira Penna, Raphael Bruno Amemiya, Thiago Pires, Larissa Sousa Silva Bonasser, Leonardo Carvalheira, Cintia Fridman, Regina Celia Mingroni-Netto, Michel Satya Naslavsky, Ricardo di Lazzaro Filho
{"title":"Motivations, perceptions and impacts of direct-to-consumer genetic testing among users in Brazil.","authors":"Larissa Siqueira Penna, Raphael Bruno Amemiya, Thiago Pires, Larissa Sousa Silva Bonasser, Leonardo Carvalheira, Cintia Fridman, Regina Celia Mingroni-Netto, Michel Satya Naslavsky, Ricardo di Lazzaro Filho","doi":"10.1007/s12687-024-00755-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-024-00755-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Numerous studies have focused on direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT), but little is known about consumers outside North America and Europe. Therefore, this study assesses the sociodemographic profile, motivations, and impacts of DTC-GT among Brazilian consumers. DTC-GT customers were invited to complete a 30-question online survey anonymously. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square tests were used to analyze the data, with significant findings analyzed using post-hoc and correspondence analysis. This study comprised 1513 Brazilian DTC-GT consumers with a mean age of 42 years old and mostly female (60.8%). Participants' primary motivation for purchasing the test was to learn about their genetic predispositions to diseases (87.2%) followed by biogeographical ancestry (86.2%). Fewer than 20% of respondents reported consulting a healthcare professional due to the test results (18.4%), and most consumers felt confident in independently understanding the test results (66.9%), which was significantly associated with Health/Biological Sciences professional field (p < 0.001). Additionally, many customers felt glad (63.3%), and few felt worried after receiving their results (13.4%), particularly concerning health outcomes. Lifestyle changes included dietary adjustments (38.7%), regular health check-ups (24.2%) and increased physical activity (16.5%). Overall, 64.0% of respondents reported altering habits following test results. These findings contribute to understanding the motivations and impacts of DTC-GT among Brazilian consumers, indicating positive lifestyle changes and limited negative psychological impacts.</p>","PeriodicalId":46965,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Community Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142733313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Population molecular genetics in Brazil: From genomic databases and research to the implementation of precision medicine.","authors":"Thais C de Oliveira, Iscia Lopes-Cendes","doi":"10.1007/s12687-024-00752-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12687-024-00752-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Precision medicine (PM) stands on the brink of revolutionizing medical practice throughout the world, holding significant potential for enhancing patient outcomes. However, its practical implementation, particularly in resource-limited countries, is not without challenges. The success of PM largely hinges on the availability of extensive datasets, including genetic and genomic information. This paper delves into the PM landscape and the current state of genetic and genomic testing in Brazil. We also shed light on the unique challenges posed by the country's diverse population and discuss ongoing initiatives to tackle these obstacles.</p>","PeriodicalId":46965,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Community Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142669299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hsiao H Tsai, Jennifer L Young, Sara Cherny, Cat Davis Ahmed, Sadiya S Khan, Debra Duquette
{"title":"\"I don't think people should die young\": perspectives of parents with children diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia.","authors":"Hsiao H Tsai, Jennifer L Young, Sara Cherny, Cat Davis Ahmed, Sadiya S Khan, Debra Duquette","doi":"10.1007/s12687-024-00725-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12687-024-00725-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder that significantly increases an individual's risk of developing premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Early intervention involving lifestyle modification and medication is crucial in preventing CVD. Prior studies have shown that lipid-lowering therapy in children is safe and effective. Despite FH being a treatable and manageable condition, the condition is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. Universal lipid screening (ULS) in children has been recommended by some medical experts in the United States as a strategy to identify cases of FH and maximize the benefits of early invention. However, lipid screening is not routinely offered in pediatric clinics. This study aimed to explore parental experience with FH diagnosis in their children, identify key facilitators and barriers in children's diagnosis and care, and examine parental perspectives on ULS in children in the United States. A total of fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants recruited through the Family Heart Foundation. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: role of family history in facilitating child's FH diagnosis, barriers and challenges in post-diagnosis care, and attitudes towards ULS in children. All participants supported ULS in children and emphasized the value of early diagnosis and treatment for FH. However, a lack of guidance or referral after the child's diagnosis was a concern raised by many participants. This underscores the need for accessible and comprehensive care amid ongoing efforts to increase pediatric diagnosis of FH.</p>","PeriodicalId":46965,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Community Genetics","volume":" ","pages":"549-558"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11549273/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141914244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatma Aldila, Fiona Ng Fj, Jessica Audrienna, Lynn Lim Sj, Shannon Tang, Sabrina Gabriel Tanu, Eric Aria Fernandez, Faustina Audrey Agatha, Marco Wijaya, Stevany Tiurma Br Sormin, Levana Sani, Astrid Irwanto, Samuel J Haryono, Jingmei Li, Alexandre Chan, Mikael Hartman
{"title":"What do women want to see in a personalized breast cancer risk report? A qualitative study of Asian women of two countries.","authors":"Fatma Aldila, Fiona Ng Fj, Jessica Audrienna, Lynn Lim Sj, Shannon Tang, Sabrina Gabriel Tanu, Eric Aria Fernandez, Faustina Audrey Agatha, Marco Wijaya, Stevany Tiurma Br Sormin, Levana Sani, Astrid Irwanto, Samuel J Haryono, Jingmei Li, Alexandre Chan, Mikael Hartman","doi":"10.1007/s12687-024-00735-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12687-024-00735-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A breast cancer risk assessment tool for Asian populations, incorporating Polygenic Risk Score and Gail Model algorithm, has been established and validated. However, effective methods for delivering personalized risk information remain underexplored. This study aims to identify and develop effective methods for conveying breast cancer risk information to Asian women. Through ten focus group discussions with 32 women in Indonesia and Singapore, we explored preferences for the presentation of risk information. Participants favored comprehensive reports featuring actionable steps, simplified language, non-intimidating visuals, and personalized risk reduction recommendations. Singaporean participants, more aware of breast cancer prevention, showed a lower likelihood of seeking follow-ups upon receiving low-risk results compared to Indonesians. Overall, participants found the reports useful and advocated for similar approaches in other disease assessments. Balancing content and complexity in reports is crucial, highlighting the need for improved patient understanding and engagement with healthcare providers. Future studies could explore physicians' roles in delivering personalized risk assessments for breast cancer prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":46965,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Community Genetics","volume":" ","pages":"517-528"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11549266/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142336839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maira Tafolla, Raquel Amador, Motunrayo J Oyeyemi, Zach Algaze, Juhi Pandey, Robin P Goin-Kochel, Dustin E Sarver, Amanda Gulsrud
{"title":"Barriers, motivators and strategies to increase participation in genetic research among Asian and Black families of autistic individuals.","authors":"Maira Tafolla, Raquel Amador, Motunrayo J Oyeyemi, Zach Algaze, Juhi Pandey, Robin P Goin-Kochel, Dustin E Sarver, Amanda Gulsrud","doi":"10.1007/s12687-024-00724-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12687-024-00724-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Genetic research can help advance our knowledge of autism and positively impact the progress of care for individuals with autism. Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Black participants remain significantly underrepresented in genetic research in autism in the United States, including nationwide, multisite, genetic consortiums like Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK). Few studies have explored the unique motivators and barriers that influence participation in genetics research across underrepresented groups with autism and strategies to increase participation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the perspectives of AAPI and Black parents of individuals with autism about participating in genetic research, specifically motivators (e.g., desire to know more about the relationship between autism and genetics) and/or barriers (e.g., mistrust of research staff) that may impact their decision to participate in genetic research. Using a mixed-methods approach, we collected surveys (n = 134) across the United States and conducted three focus groups with parents of individuals with autism (n = 16) who identified as AAPI and Black from two large metropolitan cities. No significant differences were observed in the survey data but findings from the focus groups elucidate shared motivators for participation (e.g., to help advance the autism field for future generations) and nuanced differences in barriers that influence Black and AAPI parents' decision to participate (e.g., different beliefs about the source of autism). Practical suggestions to improve outreach and study engagement in genetic research in autism were identified and discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":46965,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Community Genetics","volume":" ","pages":"559-572"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11549258/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141972094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Francisca Stutzin Donoso, Tim Carver, Lorenzo Ficorella, Nichola Fennell, Antonis C Antoniou, Douglas F Easton, Marc Tischkowitz, Fiona M Walter, Juliet A Usher-Smith, Stephanie Archer
{"title":"Correction: Improving the communication of multifactorial cancer risk assessment results for different audiences: a co-design process.","authors":"Francisca Stutzin Donoso, Tim Carver, Lorenzo Ficorella, Nichola Fennell, Antonis C Antoniou, Douglas F Easton, Marc Tischkowitz, Fiona M Walter, Juliet A Usher-Smith, Stephanie Archer","doi":"10.1007/s12687-024-00745-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12687-024-00745-4","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46965,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Community Genetics","volume":" ","pages":"581"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11549256/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142510276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}