Determinants of participation in glaucoma genomic research in South East Nigeria: A cross-sectional analytical study.

Abstract

BackgroundGenomic research advances the understanding of human health and disease. It also drives both the discovery of salient genetic association(s) as well as targeted screening, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Human subject participation is crucial for the success of genomic research.MethodsThis is a cross sectional analytical study conducted at two tertiary centers in Enugu Southeast Nigeria. Semi structured questionnaires were administered to eligible consenting participants. Data on their demographics, willingness to participate in genomic research and motivation for participation were obtained. Data was analyzed using Stata version 17 and summarized using median, frequencies and interquartile range(IQR). Associations between covariates were evaluated with Chi square test and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAmong 228 glaucoma subjects who participated in our study,119(52.2%) were female and 109(47.8%) were male. The median age was 64 years(IQR = 50-76). Although 219 (96.0%) participants expressed willingness to participate in a glaucoma genetic study, only 27(11.9%) of them will be willing to participate if there will not be feedback of results to participants (χ2 = 18.59, PConclusionGlaucoma subjects are more likely to be willing to participate in genetic research, if they would receive feedback of results. Willingness to participate in genetic research is significantly associated with age.LimitationsWe did not evaluate the salient options for feedback of results to participants in our study.