Relation Between Religious Perspectives and Views on Sickle Cell Disease Research and Associated Public Health Interventions in Ghana

Jemima A. Dennis-Antwi, Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, Kofi A. Anie, Helen Dzikunu, Veronica A. Agyare, Richard Okyere Boadu, Joseph Sarfo Antwi, Mabel K. Asafo, Oboshie Anim-Boamah, Augustine K. Asubonteng, Solomon Agyei, Ambroise Wonkam, Marsha J. Treadwell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is highly prevalent in Africa with a significant public health burden for under-resourced countries. We employed qualitative research methods to understand the ethical, legal, and social implications of conducting genomic research in SCD under the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) initiative. The present study focused on religious and cultural aspects of SCD with the view to identifying beliefs and attitudes relevant to public health interventions in Ghana. Thematic analyses from individual and group interviews revealed six key areas of importance, namely, reliance on a supreme being; religion as a disruptive influence on health behaviors; role of religious leaders in information sharing and decision-making; social, religious, and customary norms; health and religious/supernatural beliefs; and need for social education and support through church and community. Findings suggest that public health programs in Ghana should not only aim at increasing knowledge and awareness about SCD and its management but also create an understanding of the relevance of genomics and alternative technological advancement to diagnosis and ethical decision-making around available options for health seeking. Future research should engage communities to help address the ethical and social implications of a persuasive religious influence on SCD-related health decisions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)102-118
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Genetic Counseling
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Genetic counseling
  • Genetic testing
  • Prenatal diagnosis
  • Religion
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Spirituality

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