Interventions Addressing Genetic Disease Burdens Within Selected Countries in the MENA Region: a Scoping Review

Overview

Journal J Community Genet

Publisher Springer

Specialty Health Services

Date 2023 Jan 24

PMID 36692811

Authors

Madison Grant

Tamar Kabakian-Khasholian

Soha Yazbek

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The MENA region is disproportionately affected by genetic disease. The aim of this research is to scope the region for evidence of genetic services and public health interventions to identify geographic gaps, and to provide a descriptive overview of interventions to identify knowledge gaps.

Methods: This study is conducted as a scoping review and follows the Arksey & O'Malley scoping review framework.

Results: Seventy-six articles spanning 16 MENA nations met inclusion criteria. Studies included interventions in the form of genetic service provision (n=28), as well as comprehensive programs including pilot programs (n=7), community-based genetics programs (n=6) national-level prevention programs (n=18), and national-level mandatory programs (n=17).

Conclusions: There is an imbalanced response to genetic disease burdens across the MENA region. More research is warranted where interventions are scarce, particularly to inform development of pilot community-based programs. There is also a need for better monitoring and evaluation of existing nation-wide programs.

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