Community engagement in epigenomic and neurocognitive research on post-traumatic stress disorder in Rwandans exposed to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi: lessons learned.

Journal: Epigenomics

Volume: 14

Issue: 15

Year of Publication: 2022

Affiliated Institutions:  Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO BOX , Rwanda. Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, PO BOX , Rwanda. Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL , USA. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Bloomsbury, London, WCE HT, UK. Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, HB, Nijmegen, and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, EN, The Netherlands. Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology & Molecular Medicine (IBMM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, Gosselies, , Belgium. Frailty in Ageing Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette Campus, , Belgium.

Abstract summary 

Epigenomic and neurocognitive studies have provided new perspectives on post-traumatic stress disorder and its intergenerational transmission. This article outlines the lessons learned from community engagement (CE) in such research on Rwandan genocide survivors. A strong trauma-related response was observed within the research project-targeted community (genocide survivors) during explanation of the project. CE also revealed privacy concerns, as community members worried that any leakage of genetic/(epi)genomic data could affect not only themselves but also their close relatives. Adopting a culture of CE in the process of research implementation enables the prioritization of targeted community needs and interests. Furthermore, CE has stimulated the development of mental healthcare interventions, which married couples can apply to protect their offspring and thus truly break the cycle of inherited vulnerability.

Authors & Co-authors:  Musanabaganwa Clarisse C Jansen Stefan S Wani Agaz A Rugamba Alex A Mutabaruka Jean J Rutembesa Eugene E Uwineza Annette A Fatumo Segun S Hermans Erno J EJ Souopgui Jacob J Wildman Derek E DE Uddin Monica M Roozendaal Benno B Njemini Rose R Mutesa Leon L

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Tindana P, Vries DJ, Campbell M et al. Community engagement strategies for genomic studies in Africa: a review of the literature. BMC Med. Ethics 16, 24 (2015).
Authors :  15
Identifiers
Doi : 10.2217/epi-2022-0079
SSN : 1750-192X
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Epigenomics
Other Terms
community engagement;epigenomics;genomics;memory;neuroscience;post-traumatic stress disorder
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Rwanda
Publication Country
England