Conectar
Genome Canada has committed significant resources to ensure that racialised groups are included in its initiatives; however, specific equity considerations related to engaging these communities in human genomic research continue to require deeper attention and exploration. This scoping review aims to widen the frame of analysis concerning inclusive human genomics by undertaking a synthesis that includes perspectives from genomicists, decision and policymakers, legal experts in bioethics and leaders from racialised communities.
We conducted a comprehensive scoping review using the Arksey and O’Malley framework to examine the equitable participation of racialised communities in human genomic research.
Our goal was to identify the barriers preventing these populations from equally participating in human genomic research. The review focused on studies from five countries: Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia and New Zealand which have similar immigration patterns and have received racialised populations from from some of the same communities around the globe. These features makes studying these particular countries germane to studying the common challenges they face in human genomics research.
Our scoping review examined both academic and grey literature, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO (inception to 11 June 2025), CINAHL (to 12 June 2025) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (to 19 June 2025), as well as Google Scholar and OAISter (October, 2023).
Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic synthesis guidelines. These included familiarisation with the relevant texts in the selected articles, generating initial codes using an inductive approach, reviewing potential themes and finalising the themes based on the consensus of the research team.
The study identified key barriers and facilitators to participation in human genomic research among racialised communities. The first theme (exclusion) highlighted obstacles such as a lack of transportation, limited knowledge of genetics and distrust stemming from concerns of stigmatisation and health disparities. The second theme (diversity of positions) described varied perceptions influenced by cultural values and motivations, with preferences for transparency and autonomy in research participation. Finally, the third theme (equity in genetic research) outlined the limited use of community-based participatory models and biobanking, underscoring the need for more inclusive and equitable research practices to fully engage racialised communities.
Future research should prioritise strategies of authentic engagement with racialised communities to enhance both inclusivity and equity in genetic, human genomic, precision medicine and precision health research.
Commentary on: Kristiansen D, Boyle EH, Svec J. The impact of local supply of popular contraceptives on women’s use of family planning: findings from performance-monitoring-for-action in seven sub-Saharan African countries. Reprod Health. 2023 Nov 21;20(1):171.
Implications for practice and research The concept of ‘demand’ and ‘supply’, from the perspective of individual preferences shaped by cultural and societal norms, can be incorporated by health practitioners and policymakers when addressing the root causes of unmet health needs. Understanding women’s empowerment and agency in family planning requires a rights-based community-engaged research approach. Community-level data can illuminate the underlying mechanisms of healthcare utilisation preferences.
The issue of unmet contraceptive needs remains a gap in global healthcare, despite various contraceptive options available now more than ever.
To evaluate the impact of a multilevel intervention in a surgical department on the segregation of non-hazardous healthcare waste (plastic and paper) during the perioperative period as well as its effect on the carbon footprint of the healthcare organisation.
A prospective before–after interventional study without a control group was carried out in the operating room of the Universitary Hospital Mútua Terrassa in Catalonia (Spain). A multilevel programme to improve the segregation process during the surgical interventions was implemented in several phases from May 2023 to December 2024. Data collection was conducted in each phase of the study through questionnaires addressed to the professionals along with calculations of the carbon footprint and the volume of waste segregation. The study is framed within the socio-ecological model and employs a collaborative design. The study population included all professionals working in the operating room (n = 320).
A multidisciplinary team was formed with consideration for all stakeholders. The project phases were implemented consecutively. A total of 141 professionals (44.4%) completed the baseline questionnaire. As a result of the project's development, the carbon footprint has been reduced to 79.1 kg CO2 eq/week, representing an 85% reduction in emissions.
The implementation of the recycling project has led to significant reductions in the amount of waste generated and it has been positively evaluated by the professionals.
The benefits of fostering a behavioural change among the professionals, coupled with the implementation of a well-designed segregation and recycling system, lead to significant benefits for the institution in carbon footprint.
Nurses can lead this type of project with a clear impact on both the institution and the environment.
Reduction of the carbon footprint in the operating room increased satisfaction among professionals for contributing to environmental improvement.
The reporting of intervention evaluation studies using nonrandomized designs: the TREND statement Des Jarlais et al. (2004) was used to evaluate the quality of the study.
N/A. Only professionals are involved in this study.
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