Cultural Congruence in International Genetics Research

Overview

This study will explore how cultural differences influence genetics research in developing countries. Human genetics research is becoming more common in developing countries. However, when research is conducted with people living in developing countries, there is a chance that culture differences can lead to misunderstandings between investigators and participants, resulting in ineffective research. This study will explore challenges facing investigators conducting genetics research in developing countries and opportunities to improve this kind of research. Scientists who have conducted genetics research in a developing country may be eligible to participate in this study. Participants are interviewed by telephone. The interview, which lasts about an hour, includes questions about the researchers decision to conduct the study they have done, the times they noticed that culture played a role in the research and the times that were more challenging and less challenging. The interviews are recorded, transcribed and analyzed for themes related to cultural congruence and specific challenges and opportunities with regard to cultural congruence.

The objective of the proposed study is to describe cultural congruence, including diversity, awareness, sensitivity, and competence in people conducting human genetics research in developing countries, as well as to explore challenges and opportunities to improve cultural congruence. Human genetics research is becoming more common in developing countries, as researchers take advantage of differences in environment and population diversity. However, when research is conducted with individuals living in developing countries, there is a chance that culture will lead to misunderstandings between investigators and participants and consequently ineffective research. The proposed study uses a cross-sectional semi-structured qualitative interview design. Thirty to forty-five participants will be recruited. Participants will be researchers with experience in conducting genetics research in developing countries, who will have had direct contact with the participants in their research studies. These researchers will be recruited from professional organizations, through identification of lead authors in literature searches, and through snowball recruitment. Interviews will be conducted by telephone, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes related to cultural congruence and specific challenges and opportunities with regard to cultural congruence.