Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2014 Apr 27:15:34.
doi: 10.1186/1472-6939-15-34.

Knowledge and attitudes to personal genomics testing for complex diseases among Nigerians

Lawrence Fagbemiro  1 , Clement Adebamowo
Affiliations

Knowledge and attitudes to personal genomics testing for complex diseases among Nigerians

Lawrence Fagbemiro et al. BMC Med Ethics. .

Abstract

Background: The study examined the knowledge and attitudes to personal genomics testing for complex diseases among Nigerians and identified how the knowledge and attitudes vary with gender, age, religion, education and related factors.

Methods: Data were collected using qualitative method in 2 districts of the Federal Capital Territory. In the study, eight (8) Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and twenty seven (27) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted. Participants for the research were recruited among healthy Nigerians, individuals with complex diseases, health care professionals, community leaders and health policy makers.

Result: Analysis of the result showed that most respondents in both FGDs and KIIs had limited knowledge about genomics test initially. Their understanding of the test however improved after explanation on its concept. Participants showed positive attitude towards genomics tests. Nevertheless they expressed fear over direct to consumer personal genomics testing, testing unborn babies and disclosure of results to third parties. Culture and religion were found to influence the perspectives of respondents on genomics test particularly those aspects that could either directly contradict their beliefs and practices or lead to actions which contradict them.

Conclusion: In conclusion, most Nigerians interviewed had limited knowledge of genomics test but with supportive attitude towards its use in predicting future risk of complex diseases after understanding the test concept. Genomics testing for complex diseases was not a common practice in Nigeria.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Khoury MJ, McBride CM, Schully SD, Loannidis JP, Feero WG, Janssens AC. The scientific foundation for personal genomics: recommendations from a National Institutes of Health-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention multidisciplinary workshop-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genet Med. 2009;11:559–567. doi: 10.1097/GIM.0b013e3181b13a6c. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Lori A, Erin S. Ethical, legal, and social issues in genetic testing for complex genetic diseases. Val U L Rev. 2003;37:793. - PubMed
    1. MDGs in Africa. http://mdginafrica.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/the-urgent-need-for-adequate...
    1. Toyin F, Matthew MH. Health Knowledge and Belief Systems in Africa. Carolina Academic Press; 2008. Investigating Health Knowledge and Beliefs.
    1. Thurmond V. The point of triangulation. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2001;33(Suppl 3):254–256. - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms