Knowledge of, Attitudes Towards and Access to Genetic Testing and Counselling for Disability in Zambia

Abstract

Genetically transmitted disorders, which lead to disability, make a larger percentage as those caused by environmental factors. However, knowledge and awareness of the genes that cause such disorders can help reduce on the prevalence of genetically transmitted disorders. This requires availability of genetic testing and counselling services in hospitals. In Zambia, there is scarcity of information on the available services and even knowledge of genetic testing and counselling. This study was conducted to establish knowledge of, attitudes towards and access to genetic testing and counselling for disability in Zambia. A mixed methods approach was used. One hundred and sixty nine respondents were recruited to provide data on the study. The results of the study indicate that students in higher learning institutions are aware about genetic testing and counselling and where the service can be sought. However, traces of negative attitudes were concluded from students’ failure to indicate their willingness to visit hospitals for genetic testing and counselling. Further, results showed that there was scarcity of sources of information about genetic testing and counselling. The services were also not available in the main hospitals except for sickle cell anaemia testing which is normally done when one is pregnant. We recommend for knowledge generation and dissemination in the science of genetic testing and counselling to help the Zambian population know the relevance of the service and where it can be sought so that a reduction in genetically transmitted disorders that cause disabilities is drastically reduced.

Keywords:  genetic testing, counselling, disability, Zambia