Concerns over participation in genetic research among Malay-Muslims, Chinese and Indians in Singapore: a focus group study.
OBJECTIVE
This study was aimed at exploring and comparing peoples' concerns over donation of blood specimens for genetic research across three ethnic groups in Singapore: Malay-Muslims, Chinese and Indians.


METHODS
We conducted 12 focus group sessions among 98 participants with 7-10 in each group.


RESULTS
Concerns over donation of blood specimens for genetic research were diverse, with all ethnic groups expressing anxiety about breach of confidentiality, finding out that they have a disease and misuse of research for cloning. Other concerns included fear of pain, blood and needle pricks and misconceptions of adverse health effects such as weight gain from donating blood specimens. Malay-Muslims were generally concerned about the selection process, potential racial discrimination, and religious beliefs regarding blood storage while Chinese and Indians were concerned about giving blood to strangers and being inconvenienced by participating in research.


CONCLUSIONS
Programmes to promote community participation in genetic research should address the diverse ethnic concerns, design ethnic-sensitive messages and involve the community.
Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (MD3), National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore. cofwml@nus.edu.sg
Mee Lian
ML
Wong
Kee Seng
KS
Chia
Sharon
S
Wee
Sin Eng
SE
Chia
Jeannette
J
Lee
Woon Puay
WP
Koh
Han Ming
HM
Shen
Julian
J
Thumboo
Dicky
D
Sofjan
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology*; D001290:Attitude / Q000208:ethnology*; D001782:Blood Donors / Q000523:psychology*; D003256:Community Participation / Q000523:psychology; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D036281:Genetic Research; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012846:Singapore