Preferences and Expectations of Feedback of Individual Genetic Research Results in African Genomics: Views of South African Parents of Children With Neurodevelopmental Conditions

BackgroundGenomic medicine is expanding at an exponential pace across the globe and increased access to genome analysis has led to greater generations of genetic results with specific relevance to individuals. AimThis study aims to explore preferences and expectations of feedback of individual genetic research results among parents of children with neurodevelopmental conditions. MethodsFollowing a qualitative approach, we conducted four deliberative focus group discussions with (n=27) South African parents of children involved in genomics research on neurodevelopmental conditions. ResultsMost participants expressed a strong interest in receiving individual genetic results regardless of severity, actionability and preventability. These results were viewed as valuable because they could empower or emancipate individuals, families and communities. Receiving risk information was also believed to motivate healthier lifestyle choices. However, some participants were uncertain or articulated a desire not to receive results due to fears of anxiety or psychological harm. In addition, participants expected to receive results as a demonstration of respect from researchers and articulated it as an act to build trust between researchers and participants. ConclusionsInternationally, a debate continues around whether individual genetic results should or should not be fed back to participants of research studies. In Africa, there is scant literature which has investigated this question and no policies to guide researchers. This study provides a basis of empirical data on perspectives of African participants which could inform work on the development of a consolidated approach to the feedback of incidental findings in the continent.