Embracing an "African Ethos" to facilitate African immigrants participation in medical genetics and genomics research.
Limited published research exists on perceptions and potentials for black African immigrants' participation in medical genetics and genomics research.



This study explores the inclination and disinclination of African immigrants to be involved in genetics and genomics research.



In-depth qualitative interviews were employed in which a sample of black African immigrants 18 years and older (n = 34) were interviewed.



Barriers included contrary beliefs and customs about disease and the human body that differs from Western conceptions, and lack of genuine connection to the health care system. Facilitators included promotion of an "African ethos," wherein Africans unite with one another in a communal extension of self and robust community involvement across the life span of genetic studies.



It is important for researchers and genetic counselors to understand the sociocultural underpinnings of African immigrants about genetics and genomics research as an initial step to encouraging their participation.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI. Electronic address: aaronbg@uwm.edu.
Aaron G
AG
Buseh
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI.
Patricia E
PE
Stevens
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI.
Sandra
S
Millon-Underwood
Center for Nursing Research and Evaluation, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI.
Sheryl T
ST
Kelber
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI.
Leolia
L
Townsend
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005826:Genetics, Medical; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States
African immigrants and genetics; Barriers to participation; Community-based participatory research; Facilitators to participation; Genetics and genomics; Health disparities