Genomic Literacy and Awareness of Ethical Guidance for Genomic Research in Sub-Saharan Africa: How Prepared Are Biomedical Researchers?

Ogunrin, Olubunmi, Taiwo, Funmilola and Frith, Lucy ORCID: 0000-0002-8506-0699 (2019) Genomic Literacy and Awareness of Ethical Guidance for Genomic Research in Sub-Saharan Africa: How Prepared Are Biomedical Researchers? JOURNAL OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ON HUMAN RESEARCH ETHICS, 14 (1). pp. 78-87.

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Abstract

Achieving the objectives of rolling out genomic research programs in sub-Saharan Africa depends on how prepared indigenous biomedical researchers are for this type of research. We explored the level of preparedness of biomedical researchers in a sub-Saharan African country using in-depth interviews to obtain data on their understanding of genomics and genomic research and assess their awareness of the scope of the country's code of health research ethics. Thirty biomedical researchers were interviewed. Only eight were familiar with concepts of genomics, a form of "genomic health literacy." The majority were not aware of the country's code of research ethics. This study showed that generally biomedical researchers were not genomic health literate, unaware of the code and its limitations as a source of ethical guidance for the conduct of genomic research. These findings underscore the need for educational training in genomics and creating awareness of ethical oversight for genomic research in sub-Saharan Africa.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	genomic research, biobanks, biomedical researchers, sub-Saharan Africa, genomic health literacy, code of ethics
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	14 Nov 2018 10:23
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 01:13
DOI:	10.1177/1556264618805194
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3028729