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Grant M, Kabakian-Khasholian T, Yazbek S. Interventions addressing genetic disease burdens within selected countries in the MENA region: a scoping review. J Community Genet 2023; 14:29-39. [PMID: 36692811 PMCID: PMC9947218 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MENA region is disproportionately affected by genetic disease. The aim of this research is to scope the region for evidence of genetic services and public health interventions to identify geographic gaps, and to provide a descriptive overview of interventions to identify knowledge gaps. METHODS This study is conducted as a scoping review and follows the Arksey & O'Malley scoping review framework. RESULTS Seventy-six articles spanning 16 MENA nations met inclusion criteria. Studies included interventions in the form of genetic service provision (n=28), as well as comprehensive programs including pilot programs (n=7), community-based genetics programs (n=6) national-level prevention programs (n=18), and national-level mandatory programs (n=17). CONCLUSIONS There is an imbalanced response to genetic disease burdens across the MENA region. More research is warranted where interventions are scarce, particularly to inform development of pilot community-based programs. There is also a need for better monitoring and evaluation of existing nation-wide programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Grant
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Soha Yazbek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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2
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The Special Features of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Counseling in Arab Countries. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020167. [PMID: 35205212 PMCID: PMC8872395 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic counseling services have only recently been introduced in most Arab countries, and their utilization is increasing. Prenatal genetic counseling is essential, particularly in the Arab context, which is characterized by high rates of consanguinity. Nevertheless, little is known about the decisions faced by parents and the factors underlying the complex decision making that must occur when accessing these services in Arab countries. Herein, we performed a narrative review to discuss the reported experiences of parents accessing genetic counseling in the prenatal setting in the 22 Arab countries. We also highlight the different types of decisions encountered and the factors influencing them. We report that: (i) utilization of genetic counseling services varies across different Arab countries; (ii) many factors affect decision making and service utilization, especially religion; and (iii) parents are faced with an array of decisions in the prenatal setting, partly driven by increased utilization of prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic testing in some countries. Our work is the first to highlight the different factors and decisions influencing genetic counseling in Arab countries. Understanding these factors is essential for improving genetic counseling services in the region and helping counselors facilitate informed decision making.
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AlHarthi FS, Qari A, Edress A, Abedalthagafi M. Familial/inherited cancer syndrome: a focus on the highly consanguineous Arab population. NPJ Genom Med 2020; 5:3. [PMID: 32025336 PMCID: PMC6997177 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-019-0110-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of hereditary cancer, which accounts for ~10% of cancer cases worldwide is an important subfield of oncology. Our understanding of hereditary cancers has greatly advanced with recent advances in sequencing technology, but as with any genetic trait, gene frequencies of cancer-associated mutations vary across populations, and most studies that have located hereditary cancer genes have been conducted on European or Asian populations. There is an urgent need to trace hereditary cancer genes across the Arab world. Hereditary disease is particularly prevalent among members of consanguineous populations, and consanguineous marriages are particularly common in the Arab world. There are also cultural and educational idiosyncrasies that differentiate Arab populations from other more thoroughly studied groups with respect to cancer awareness and treatment. Therefore, a review of the literature on hereditary cancers in this understudied population was undertaken. We report that BRCA mutations are not as prevalent among Arab breast cancer patients as they are among other ethnic groups, and therefore, other genes may play a more important role. A wide variety of germline inherited mutations that are associated with cancer are discussed, with particular attention to breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, and brain cancers. Finally, we describe the state of the profession of familial cancer genetic counselling in the Arab world, and the clinics and societies dedicated to its advances. We describe the complexities of genetic counselling that are specific to the Arab world. Understanding hereditary cancer is heavily dependent on understanding population-specific variations in cancer-associated gene frequencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawz S AlHarthi
- 1Genomics Research Department, Saudi Human Genome Project, King Fahad Medical City and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,2Genetics Counselling Division, Saudi Diagnostic Laboratory, King Faisal Specialist Hospital International Company, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alya Qari
- 3Medical Genetic Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Edress
- 1Genomics Research Department, Saudi Human Genome Project, King Fahad Medical City and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,2Genetics Counselling Division, Saudi Diagnostic Laboratory, King Faisal Specialist Hospital International Company, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak Abedalthagafi
- 1Genomics Research Department, Saudi Human Genome Project, King Fahad Medical City and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Abdo N, Ibraheem N, Obeidat N, Graboski-Bauer A, Batieha A, Altamimi N, Khatatbih M. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Women Toward Prenatal Genetic Testing. Epigenet Insights 2018; 11:2516865718813122. [PMID: 30620008 PMCID: PMC6299338 DOI: 10.1177/2516865718813122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: We aim to address public knowledge, attitudes, and practices relative to prenatal genetic testing as a starting point for policy development in Jordan. Study design: We conducted a cross-sectional prenatal genetic testing knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey with 1111 women recruited at obstetrics and gynecology clinics nationwide. Data were analyzed using a variety of descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Results: The overwhelming majority (>94%) of participants considered prenatal genetic testing, particularly non-invasive prenatal genetic screening, procedures to be good, comfortable, and reasonable, even when the non-diagnostic nature of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening was explained. Likewise, 95% encouraged the implementation of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening within the Jordanian health system, but most preferred it to remain optional. However, women in higher-risk age brackets, in consanguineous marriages, and with less education were significantly less interested in learning about non-invasive prenatal genetic screening. Only 60% of women interviewed were satisfied with the services provided by their obstetric/gynecologist. The more satisfied the women were, the more they are likely to adapt non-invasive prenatal genetic screening. Conclusions: In sum, although the data support the receptivity of Jordanian women to national implementation of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening, such policies should be accompanied by health education to increase the genetic literacy of the population and to engage high-risk populations. Thus, this offers rare insight into the readiness of 1 particular Arab population to adapt non-invasive prenatal genetic screening technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Abdo
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nadia Ibraheem
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nail Obeidat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Anwar Batieha
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nada Altamimi
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Gesser-Edelsburg A, Shahbari NAE. Decision-making on terminating pregnancy for Muslim Arab women pregnant with fetuses with congenital anomalies: maternal affect and doctor-patient communication. Reprod Health 2017; 14:49. [PMID: 28376917 PMCID: PMC5379523 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-017-0312-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study focused on decision-making on terminating pregnancy for Arab Muslim women in Israel who were pregnant with fetuses diagnosed with congenital anomalies. It examined the impact of the doctor-patient interaction on the women's decision, especially in light of social and religious pressures not to terminate under any circumstances. Our goal was to identify perceptions and attitudes of Muslim Arab women who choose to continue their pregnancy following the detection of congenital anomalies in prenatal tests. Specific objectives included (1) To examine the Muslim Arab women's perceptions on genetic testing, and ascertain the reasons for their decision to continue the pregnancy following the detection of a congenital anomaly in the fetus; and (2) To examine risk communication of gynecologists regarding genetic testing and abortions, and regarding the decision of continuing or terminating a pregnancy following detection of a congenital anomaly. METHODS The research framework used the constructivist classical qualitative method to understand the experience of women at high risk for congenital anomalies and their experience of how doctors communicate the risk. RESULTS It showed that the emotional element is no less dominant than religious and social elements. The findings emphasized the disparities between doctors and women regarding emotional involvement (non-directive counselling). The women interviewees (N = 24) felt that this expressed insensitivity. As far as we know, the emotional component has not been raised in previous studies of Muslim women at high risk for congenital defects in their fetus, and therefore comprises a significant contribution of the present study. CONCLUSIONS To mitigate gaps, doctors should take affect into consideration in their communication with patients. It is important for doctors to understand the emotional element in risk communication, both in how they respect women's emotions and in creating an emotional interaction between themselves and the women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Gesser-Edelsburg
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave. Mount Carmel, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.
| | - Nour Abed Elhadi Shahbari
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave. Mount Carmel, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
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6
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Abstract
We assessed parental attitudes towards congenital cardiovascular malformations in their children in a cross-sectional study in Egypt. Parents face many problems related to concerns about their child's prognosis, but these associations with parental stress have never been evaluated in Egypt or examined in relation to religiosity in a predominantly Muslim society. Accordingly, we conducted interviews in Cairo with mothers of 99 sequential infants born with conotruncal heart malformations (cases) and 65 mothers of age-matched controls. The survey assessed healthcare access and usage, knowledge of congenital cardiovascular malformations, religiosity, the Locus of Control Scale, and the Parenting Stress Index. Results showed that 45% of the mothers of cases had correct knowledge about their child's diagnosis; 85% were satisfied with the clinical care; and 79% reported that the cost of care was burdensome. Compared with parents of cases, parents of controls were more likely to report stress overall and all its subscales. Regarding belief about locus of control over health, God as a determining factor was given the highest endorsement. Mothers in the congenital cardiovascular malformations group reported a higher level of parental locus of control than did those in the control group. The correlations between stress and locus of control were stronger in the control than in the case group. Religiosity was related neither to stress nor to locus of control. Future studies can explore the roles that personal, familial, and societal factors play in exacerbating or reducing stress levels among parents of sick children, particularly in developing countries where economic pressures are acute.
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Brown A, Crowe L, Boneh A, Anderson V. Parent Coping and the Behavioural and Social Outcomes of Children Diagnosed with Inherited Metabolic Disorders. JIMD Rep 2016; 31:29-36. [PMID: 27008193 DOI: 10.1007/8904_2016_544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the level of coping and management of parents of children with inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) and the relationship with children's cognitive, behavioural and social functioning. METHODS Parents of children (n = 22) with confirmed IMD (glutaric aciduria type I, methylmalonic aciduria, propionic aciduria, isovaleric aciduria, glycogen storage disease, maple syrup urine disease, ornithine transcarbamylase or very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency) completed standardised questionnaires regarding psychological distress, coping and family management. Children completed cognitive assessments and parents rated their behavioural and social functioning on standardised questionnaires. Scores were compared with normative data. RESULTS Most parents were coping well; 4/22 reported high levels of psychological distress. Exploratory analysis found that parent coping variables were correlated to the child's internalising symptoms, whereas family management was related to children's externalising behaviours and social skills. No relationship was found between parent variables and cognitive functioning. CONCLUSIONS Parental coping and family management impact on the child's internalising symptoms and externalising behaviours, respectively. Early identification of issues in these domains may enhance referral for therapeutic interventions and family support programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Brown
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Australian Centre for Child Neuropsychological Studies, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Louise Crowe
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Australian Centre for Child Neuropsychological Studies, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Psychology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Avihu Boneh
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Metabolic Research, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Childrens Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vicki Anderson
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Australian Centre for Child Neuropsychological Studies, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Psychology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Masri A, Gimelli S, Hamamy H, Sloan-Béna F. Microarray delineation of familial chromosomal imbalance with deletion 5q35 and duplication 10q25 in a child showing multiple anomalies and dysmorphism. Am J Med Genet A 2014; 164A:1254-61. [PMID: 24478242 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We describe a 6-month-old female with developmental delay, hypotonia, supernumerary nipples, and distinct craniofacial features. Postnatal chromosome analysis revealed an unbalanced karyotype involving a der (5) and array-CGH defined two unbalanced regions with partial 2.3 Mb deletion of 5q35.3 in combination with a large 19.5 Mb duplication of chromosome 10 from q25.3 to q26.3. Parental karyotyping analysis showed that the father was carrier of a balanced t(5;10)(q35;q25). Two cousins of the proband with similar facial features had the same unbalanced karyotype with presence of the der (5) inherited from the malsegregation of the familial translocation. Additionally, three siblings (two deceased and one abortion) manifested a more severe phenotype including congenital heart defect, cleft palate, and agenesis of the corpus callosum and were diagnosed with unbalanced karyotypes inherited from the familial balanced translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Masri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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9
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Mellon S, Gauthier J, Cichon M, Hammad A, Simon MS. Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Arab-American women regarding inherited cancer risk. J Genet Couns 2012; 22:268-76. [PMID: 23054337 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-012-9546-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of breast cancer in the Arab world, coupled with a relatively early age of onset, raises concern for the presence of hereditary risk factors in this population. However, due to potential structural and cultural barriers, Arab Americans make up the smallest percentage of individuals tested for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome in the United States. The objectives of this qualitative pilot focus group of 13 Arab-American women were to explore attitudes, knowledge and beliefs regarding hereditary breast cancer in the Arab-American community in metropolitan Detroit, identify barriers that would prevent women from seeking hereditary cancer screening/testing and determine who women would talk to about inherited cancer. Results indicated that cultural beliefs and personal experiences with cancer influenced the women's perspectives on hereditary cancer risk. A high level of secrecy about cancer within Arab-American families was present, which may prevent accurate risk assessment and referral for genetic services. Other identified barriers that may influence hereditary risk assessment included stigma, fears and misconceptions of cancer. While these barriers were present, participants also expressed a strong need for education and tailored cancer risk information for their community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Mellon
- Saint Anselm College and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, 100 Saint Anselm Drive #1699, Manchester, NH 03102-1310, USA.
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Laird LD, de Marrais J, Barnes LL. Portraying Islam and Muslims in MEDLINE: a content analysis. Soc Sci Med 2007; 65:2425-39. [PMID: 17767988 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The growing number and diversity of Muslims in the United States and Western Europe challenge clinicians and researchers to understand this population's perspectives and experiences regarding health and biomedicine. For information about Muslim patient populations, clinicians and researchers routinely consult medical literature. To examine how this literature portrays Muslims, we conducted an ethnographic content analysis of 2342 OVID MEDLINE-indexed abstracts from 1966 through August 2005, derived from a Boolean search for "islam or muslim or muslims." Manifest (explicitly stated) themes included Muslim religious practices, Islamic law and ethics, history of Islamic medicine, public health, social medicine, and cultural competence. Latent (underlying) themes implied that being an observant Muslim poses health risks; Muslims are negatively affected by tradition, and should adopt modernity; and that "Islam" is a problem for biomedical healthcare delivery. A countervailing latent theme implies that being Muslim may promote good health. We discuss ambiguities in uses of the term "Muslim;" implications of Muslim practices for health management and healthcare delivery; and ways in which MEDLINE-indexed literature intersects with orientalist and colonialist discourse about religious Others. Such intersections highlight connections with potential structural inequalities in healthcare delivery to Muslim patients.
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Cipriano LE, Rupar CA, Zaric GS. The cost-effectiveness of expanding newborn screening for up to 21 inherited metabolic disorders using tandem mass spectrometry: results from a decision-analytic model. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2007; 10:83-97. [PMID: 17391418 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4733.2006.00156.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In 2005, in Ontario, Canada, newborns were only screened for phenylketonuria (PKU) and hypothyroidism. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has since been implemented as a new screening technology because it can screen for PKU and many other diseases simultaneously. We estimated the cost-effectiveness of using this technology to expand the Ontario newborn screening program to screen for each disease independently and for hypothetical bundles of up to 21 metabolic diseases. METHODS We constructed a decision-analytic model to estimate the incremental costs and life-years of survival that can be gained by screening or changing screening technologies. Costs and health benefits were estimated for a cohort of babies born in Ontario in 1 year. Secondary sources and expert opinion were used to estimate the test characteristics, disease prevalence, treatment effectiveness, disease progression rates, and mortality. The London Health Sciences Centre Case Costing Initiative, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan Schedule, and the Ontario Drug Benefits plan formulary were used to estimate costs. RESULTS Changing screening technologies, from the Guthrie test to MS/MS, for PKU detection had an incremental cost of $5,500,000 per life-year (LY) gained. We identified no diseases for which the incremental cost of screening for just that disease was less than $100,000 per LY gained. The incremental costs of screening ranged from $222,000 (HMG-CoA lyase deficiency) to $142,500,000 (glutaric acidemia type II) per LY gained. Screening for a bundle of diseases including PKU and the 14 most cost-effective diseases to screen for cost less than $70,000 per LY gained, and the incremental cost-effectiveness of adding each of the 14 diseases to the bundle was less than $100,000 per LY gained. The incremental cost of adding the 15th most cost-effective disease was $309,400 per LY gained. CONCLUSIONS Early diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disease is important to reduce disease severity and delay or prevent the onset of the disease. Screening at birth reduces the morbidity, mortality, and social burden associated with the irreversible effects of disease on the population. Our analysis suggests that the cost-efficiencies gained by using MS/MS to screen for bundles of diseases rather than just one disease are sufficient to warrant consideration of an expanded screening program. It is, however, not cost-effective to screen for all diseases that can be screened for using this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Cipriano
- Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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Shoham-Vardi I, Weiner N, Weitzman D, Levcovich A. Termination of pregnancy: attitudes and behavior of women in a traditional society. Prenat Diagn 2005; 24:869-75. [PMID: 15565602 DOI: 10.1002/pd.867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Bedouin Arabs, a Muslim traditional ethnic minority in Israel, are faced with difficult choices when offered prenatal diagnosis as part of the universally provided prenatal care in Israel. This paper is to examine attitudes towards and practice of pregnancy termination, following an unfavorable prenatal diagnosis. METHODS Semistructured interviews with 83 women were conducted to study attitudes. Data from the Soroka Medical Center, where all births in the area take place, were used to assess the rate of terminations of pregnancies following a diagnosis of a chromosomal anomaly. RESULTS While divided on the question of termination, many women believed that a second medical opinion is needed, preferably from an Arab physician. The reasons for termination are both child- and mother-related. Opposing termination is based on both the suspicion that the diagnosis might be wrong and on religious reasons. Between 1995 and 1999, 686 Bedouin women had undergone amniocentesis (2.4% of all pregnancies). Six of 11 pregnancies with the diagnosis of a trisomy were terminated (54.5%). All cases in which a trisomy was terminated were trisomy 21. CONCLUSIONS Culturally acceptable prenatal diagnostic services for Muslim populations should be based on early testing, and should involve Muslim physicians and religious authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Shoham-Vardi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
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13
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Frost CJ, Venne V, Cunningham D, Gerritsen-McKane R. Decision making with uncertain information: learning from women in a high risk breast cancer clinic. J Genet Couns 2005; 13:221-36. [PMID: 15604633 DOI: 10.1023/b:jogc.0000027958.02383.a9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients and practitioners may believe that clinically validated laboratory tests provide definitive information. Genetic counselors know this is not always so, and the possibility of inconclusive genetic test results is often discussed in the pretest counseling session. This added discussion topic prolongs the process of genetic counseling, but if there is inadequate patient understanding, patient frustration may be high when receiving a result of uncertain significance, and patients may make decisions about subsequent medical management based on incorrect assumptions. For patients/participants in a research setting, where the clinical validity of testing may be unclear, some patients/participants may still want to use test results to influence their medical management. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study wherein 15 women from the High Risk Breast Cancer Clinic at Utah's Huntsman Cancer Institute discussed how uncertainty regarding results affected their decision making. The women were randomly selected from 3 categories--women with test results of uncertain significance; women without cancer who have a mutation; and women who are members of high-risk families, but for whom no mutation was found. Study findings will be used in future studies to better understand how to improve communication regarding uncertain results, especially in a research environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caren J Frost
- Social Research Institute, College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA.
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14
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Neter E, Wolowelsky Y, Borochowitz ZU. Attitudes of Israeli Muslims at Risk of Genetic Disorders towards Pregnancy Termination. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 8:88-93. [PMID: 15925884 DOI: 10.1159/000084776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES (1) To examine attitudes towards termination of pregnancy (TOP) among high-risk and non-high-risk (for cystic fibrosis) Arab-Muslims, and (2) to examine the effect of an intervention, which among other things related explicitly to TOP. METHODS The study comprised three groups: (1) an intervention group at high risk for CF, which received community genetic counseling; (2) a control group at high risk for CF, and (3) a control group from the general population. The latter two groups were exposed to minimal intervention. Attitudes were measured two or three times during a 1-year period (for the control and intervention groups, respectively). RESULTS Predictors of an affected fetus being considered a legitimate cause for TOP were religiosity, familiarity with an affected child, and benefits of the test. Predictors of individuals (hypothetically) choosing abortion in the case of an affected fetus were education and age. No change occurred in the attitudes of participants (either experimental or control groups) in the course of 1 year. CONCLUSIONS Other possible intervention options are discussed, and specifically, the advantages of using opinion leaders such as clergy and medical staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Neter
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emeq Hefer, Israel.
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15
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Read CY. Using the Impact of Event Scale to Evaluate Psychological Response to Being a Phenylketonuria Gene Carrier. J Genet Couns 2004; 13:207-19. [PMID: 15604632 DOI: 10.1023/b:jogc.0000028159.23626.e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The birth of a child with phenylketonuria (PKU) is almost always a shock to the parents, who are faced with the realities of caring for a child with special needs and the need to cope with the realization that they are obligate carriers of the responsible gene. The Impact of Event Scale (IES) was used to assess the psychological impact of being a PKU gene carrier on 83 parents of children with PKU. IES scores decreased significantly from the time of initial diagnosis of PKU to the current time. The magnitude of the psychological impact did not correlate with the age of the parent, the number of years since the diagnosis of PKU, or the health or development of the child. As more tests become available for detecting the presence of disease-related genes, instruments such as the IES may prove useful in the evaluation of psychological responses to genetic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Y Read
- William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA.
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16
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Peters KF, Kong F, Hanslo M, Biesecker BB. Living with Marfan syndrome III. Quality of life and reproductive planning. Clin Genet 2002; 62:110-20. [PMID: 12220448 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0004.2002.620203.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
As individuals with Marfan syndrome are increasingly diagnosed earlier in life and prior to life-threatening cardiovascular events, there is opportunity to study factors that influence their reproductive planning and quality of life. In this study of 174 affected adults, the overall quality of life was reported to be adequate, although it was significantly decreased within the spiritual/psychological domain. Approximately 62% agreed that having Marfan syndrome significantly affected their reproductive decision-making. This view was correlated with age of diagnosis, mitral valve prolapse, and the view that Marfan syndrome has adverse consequences on life. Sixty-nine percent reported personal interest in prenatal testing for Marfan syndrome. Respondents most commonly cited increased worries about personal health and the recurrence risk as ways that Marfan syndrome affects their reproductive decisions. Age, striae, back pain, and low quality of life were each independently correlated with lack of sex drive. These results affirm the importance of both clinical and psychosocial issues on affected adults' reproductive decision-making and sexual well-being. Genetic professionals are ideally positioned to discuss concerns about quality of life and reproduction with patients with Marfan syndrome and refer those with significant concerns for further evaluation and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Peters
- Department of Medicine, Center for Developmental and Health Genetics, and Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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17
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Abstract
The Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB) served as a guide for variable selection and instrument development for telephone interviews with 230 parents of children with metabolic disorders. Sociodemographic, psycho-affective and client-professional interaction variables were examined in relation to three outcomes: (1) receptivity to future prenatal diagnosis (56% were receptive); (2) likelihood of terminating an affected pregnancy (10% would); and (3) whether or not the parent had taken measures to prevent another affected pregnancy (41% had). All three outcomes were significantly correlated with higher scores on the Parent Stress Index, lower scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, fewer persons in the parent's social support network, greater worry about the living child's future and greater perceived difficulty meeting the child's extra care needs. A regression model constructed to explain taking measures to prevent a future affected pregnancy illustrated the usefulness of the IMCHB in research that involves multiple interacting variables on health outcomes. Few of the parents (7.4%) reported an interaction with a genetic counsellor, highlighting the need for practitioners from multiple disciplines to be adequately educated in principles of genetics, especially the psychological and affective aspects of counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Read
- Boston College School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3812, USA.
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18
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Chitayat D, Babul-Hirji R. Genetic counselling in prenatally diagnosed non-chromosomal fetal abnormalities. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2000; 12:77-80. [PMID: 10813567 DOI: 10.1097/00001703-200004000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Advances in technology and skills have resulted in the improved detection of fetal ultrasound abnormalities by ultrasound. In addition, the development of new diagnostic methods has resulted in major advances in our ability to detect microscopic and submicroscopic chromosome abnormalities as well as single gene disorders. This often enables us to provide the family with accurate information regarding the aetiology, prognosis, the risk of recurrence and the prenatal diagnosis options available in future pregnancies. Genetic counselling is important because this information should be communicated to the family in simple language, with care and sensitivity, so that the family can make decisions that are fully informed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Chitayat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, The University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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19
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Abstract
Women who receive abnormal prenatal diagnosis results potentially face two emotionally difficult decisions. In this article, the first decision--whether or not to terminate the pregnancy--is presented with a discussion of the factors that may influence a women's choice. Women who choose to terminate the pregnancy face a second decision when more than one type of abortion procedure is available. Two second trimester abortion procedures--dilation and evacuation and labor induction--are compared and contrasted to delineate potential advantages and disadvantages of each. The decision-making process is examined, emphasizing the individual ways in which women may weigh this information to make a fully informed decision. In addition, a number of recommendations are offered to health care providers in the role of discussing options and supporting women in their choices.
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