Community engagement conduct for genetics and genomics research: a qualitative study of the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders in Uganda.

Background: Community engagement (CE) is one of the key strategies to optimize ethical integrity in research. However, the knowledge base on how CE should be effectively and ethically conducted, particularly for genetics and genomics research (GGR), is limited. Lessons have not been drawn from the experiences of key stakeholders in GGR, on CE, in Uganda.

Aim: To analyze the experiences and perspectives of the key stakeholders (GGR researchers, lay communities, and REC members) on engaging communities in GGR, to consequently inform how communities could be ethically engaged in such research, in Uganda.

Method: A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted at; Makerere University, Uganda Virus Research Institute, and Mulago National Referral Hospital. Twenty-five GGR researchers, twenty REC members, and thirty-eight community members, participated in this study. Data were collected using in-depth interviews guides, and Focus group discussions. Data was analyzed thematically, using NVivo version 12 Plus.

Study findings: Thirteen of the twenty-five GGR researchers had conducted CE in their studies, seven REC members had ever reviewed GGR protocols, and all the community respondents had ever participated in GGR. The goal for CE was reported to depend on the type of GGR as either basic or applied. Planning for CE involved; defining the community and for GGR this includes individuals not directly involved in the research but share the study gene with participants; a bigger CE budget to cover extra costs in GGR. The conduct of CE was reported to mainly occur at sample collection stage, rarely at study conception, and had not occurred at the return of results stage. Implementation of CE involved; engaging leaders first to gain access and acceptance of the research in the community; having a genetic counsellor on the CE team to handle the social issues in GGR.

Conclusion: This study provides challenges and facilitators on the conduct of CE in GGR in Uganda. Measures including the building of capacity especially knowledge in both GGR and CE for all the stakeholders, and using this study findings to inform policy, regulation, and further research will potentially contribute to ethical CE in GGR in Uganda and similar research contexts.