Nursing Outlook
Volume 65, Issue 1, 2017, Pages 9-17

Embracing an “African Ethos” to facilitate African immigrants participation in medical genetics and genomics research (Article)

Buseh A.G.* , Stevens P.E. , Millon-Underwood S. , Kelber S.T. , Townsend L.
  • a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI, United States
  • b University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI, United States
  • c University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI, United States
  • d Center for Nursing Research and Evaluation, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI, United States
  • e University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI, United States

Abstract

Background Limited published research exists on perceptions and potentials for black African immigrants'participation in medical genetics and genomics research. Purpose This study explores the inclination and disinclination of African immigrants to be involved in genetics and genomics research. Methods In-depth qualitative interviews were employed in which a sample of black African immigrants 18 years and older (n = 34) were interviewed. Discussion Barriers included contrary beliefs and customs about disease and the human body that differs from Western conceptions, and lack of genuine connection to the health care system. Facilitators included promotion of an “African ethos,” wherein Africans unite with one another in a communal extension of self and robust community involvement across the life span of genetic studies. Conclusion It is important for researchers and genetic counselors to understand the sociocultural underpinnings of African immigrants about genetics and genomics research as an initial step to encouraging their participation. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.

Author Keywords

Genetics and genomics Facilitators to participation health disparities Community-based participatory research Barriers to participation African immigrants and genetics

Index Keywords

medical genetics Genetics, Medical human middle aged Aged ethnology African American qualitative research United States Humans migrant Genomics psychology Black person African Continental Ancestry Group male Emigrants and Immigrants female Aged, 80 and over Socioeconomic Factors very elderly socioeconomics adult patient selection decision making attitude to health African Americans
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84995785717&doi=10.1016%2fj.outlook.2016.08.001&partnerID=40&md5=3870a324052454868532f9a8c7c3890e
DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2016.08.001
ISSN: 00296554
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English