SOCIO CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS OF GENOTYPE TESTS AMONG YOUNG POPULATION IN BUNU KABBA

0
1027

SOCIO CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS OF GENOTYPE TESTS AMONG YOUNG POPULATION IN BUNU KABBA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to study

Statement of the Problem

Objectives of Study

Research question

Hypothesis

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

Review of Relevant Theories

Theory of Reasoned Action Core Assumptions and Statements

Health Promotion Model Theoretical Propositions

Attitudes Toward Genetic Testing

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA

Research Design

METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE

Population and sampling of study

Research Instrument and procedure

Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

Discussion of findings

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusion
Recommendation
REFERENCE
Abstract

Genetic diseases are more prevalent in developing countries like Nigeria. So, it is paramount to indulge in genotype tests. Premarital genetic screening could help in its prevention. Awareness and acceptance of pre-marital genetic screening is not well documented in Bunu Kabba, Kogi State. The aim of this study was to determine the socio cultural implications of genotype tests among young population in Bunu Kabba.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to study

Genotyping is the process of determining differences in the genetic make-up (genotype) of an individual by examining the individual’s DNA sequence using biological assays and comparing it to another individual’s sequence or a reference sequence. It reveals the alleles an individual has inherited from their parents. Genetic screening is distinct from screening for other conditions in that it has the potential impact not just on the individuals being screened, but also their family members and society generally.

Genotype testing and screening presents an opportunity for individuals to become informed about their genetic predisposition to diseases, for youths to be informed before going into relationships and  for couples to be aware of the possible genetic characteristics of their unborn children. Hence, if one holds the view that one of the reasons for marriage is procreation, then worrying about genetic compatibility and avoiding genetic inheritance of grave consequence becomes something to strongly consider.The most common genetic diseases include sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sach’s disease of which sickle cell disease is the commonest. Genotype tests consists of a comprehensive group of tests, especially for those who are planning to get married. According to World Health Organization (WHO),reports have shown that 5% of the world population carries genes responsible for haemoglobinopathies and that Sickle cell anemia is particularly common among people whose ancestors comes from sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Saudi Arabia and Mediterranean countries. Further, over 300,000 babies are born worldwide with sickle cell disease mostly in low and middle income countries, with the majority of these births in Africa. Sickle cell disease is one of the commonest genetic disorder in Nigeria, about 24% of the population are carriers of the mutant gene and prevalence (at birth) is 2%. That is, 15,000 children are born with sickle cell disease genotype annually in Nigeria alone. Sickle cell disease contributes to the equivalence of 5% of under five deaths on the African continent, more than 9% of such deaths in west Africa and up to 16% of under five deaths in individual West Africa countries. The prevalence of genetic disease is becoming higher, in the society, creating more stress despite the difficulties the people encounter in life and all these diseases exist because individuals have not seen the importance to carry out genotype tests.

Most youths today are either unmarried or intending to get married and will procreate in the future. This group of persons are the target population who will benefit from appropriate interventions aimed at preventing and/or controlling genetic disease especially sickle cell disease. Thus, there is a need to assess their awareness and level of acceptability of premarital genotype screening so as to direct interventions in reducing the reproductive risk of genetic diseases, thereby contributing to a decrease in the prevalence of genetic diseases in Nigeria

Statement of the Problem

The high degree of perceived benefit from genetic testing and counseling for sickle cell disease (SCD) identified by Gustafson and colleagues (2007) is of significance given that several research studies examining the general attitudes and beliefs of African-Americans toward genetic testing have found participants hold both serious concerns and positive beliefs about the benefits of testing. Studies conducted among individuals in clinical, educational, and community settings consistently demonstrate that minority participants describe considerable risks associated with genetic testing including, but not limited to, the possible misuse of genetic information for the purpose of racial discrimination. However, minorities also describe benefits of genetic testing for prevention of disease (Catz et al. 2005; Kessler et al. 2005; Laskey et al. 2003; Zimmerman et al. 2006).

Catz and colleagues (2005) examined attitudes toward genetic topics among minority populations recruited from community health centers. Of the 55 participants, 15 were African-American and comprised two focus groups. The greatest percentage (35%) of minority participants could not provide any information when asked what they had heard about genetic testing. When asked more specifically about newborn screening, 45% were not aware that it is routinely performed. The most commonly mentioned genetic test by African-Americans was amniocentesis to detect abnormalities in the fetus. The majority of minority participants articulated the main benefit of genetic testing to be prevention of, or preparation for disease. However, participants also listed concerns for the unethical use of testing, anxiety from test results, and false reassurance from negative results. Newborn screening was viewed as a method to prepare for a child’s health problems. However, African-Americans and other minority participants expressed practical concerns about the outcome of genetic testing through newborn screening including apprehension about insurability, financial burdens, parenting responsibilities for a sick child, and the potential to test positive for a disease with no cure. It is againt this backdrop the study seeks to investigate the Socio Cultural Implications Of Genotype Tests Among Young Population In Nigeria and Bunu Kabba in particular.

Objectives of Study

The general objectives of this study is to investigate the socio cultural implications of genotype tests among young population in Bunu Kabba, Kogi State.specifically the study is aimed at determining:

  1. Level of awareness of genetic diseases and their causes
  2. Level of awareness about genotype
  3. Level of awareness on the importance of premarital genotype screening in the prevention of genetic disease.

 Research question

The research question for the study are :

  1. What is the Level of awareness of genetic diseases and their causes
  2. What is the Level of awareness about genotype
  3. What is the Level of awareness on the importance of premarital genotype screening in the prevention of genetic disease.

Hypothesis

HO: There is no significant difference between the awareness of premarital genotype screening and the acceptance of premarital genotype screening.

Significance Of The Study 

The need to examine the Genetic among youths can not be over-emphasized, this is because of the role Genotype  plays in the health status of individuals. Over the years the level of awareness in this subject matter has been declining at a considerable rate and at the same time there is rapid increase in the genetically propelled disease. This study is significant in the sense that the outcome of the research will motivate other researchers and policy makers on the subject matter to proffer solutions to the dilapidating health conditions caused by lack of proper genetic screening.

 

DOWNLOAD COMPLETE PROJECT MATERIAL

SOCIO CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS OF GENOTYPE TESTS AMONG YOUNG POPULATION IN BUNU KABBA

 

Leave a Reply