Faculty of Health Sciences

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Stakeholder knowledge and attitudes toward the use of predictive genetic testing in South Africa
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2022-12) Naidoo, Levani; Reddy, Poovendhree
The use of predictive genetic testing, particularly for risk profiling in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), has the potential to benefit public health by decreasing the disease burden and alleviating the pressure on healthcare. It is thus important to assess knowledge and uptake among stakeholders. This study aimed to assess end users' (community, medical practitioners and medical students) knowledge and attitudes regarding the use and support of genomic medicine. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) among 3 groups of stakeholders (n = 170): medical practitioners from both private and public healthcare, medical students from UKZN and community members represented by teachers. Three structured questionnaires using a Likert scale were administered. Responses were stratified by practice type, and a scoring scale was developed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce data on all constructs that made up each variable. All three groups showed adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards use, apart from medical students who were not as keen to support future use in their own practice. Although medical practitioners supported the use of this technology, with necessary guidelines, expertise and affordability, only 18% from private practice reported having used it. PCA reduced data to fewer parsimonious constructs for all 3 groups: common threads included an awareness that genetic testing may improve health and disease outcomes; guidelines for use; and the provision of education to increase awareness, training to bolster expertise and confidence to use these services. Participants in this study attributed a lack of uptake to limited expertise and professional support, and a lack of legislative guidelines. We recommend updating continuing professional development for medical practitioners and promoting community education concomitantly. Provision of guidelines and increased accessibility to resources are important.
Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Genomic Medicine among medical students, private medical practitioners and the general public in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal
(2019) Naidoo, Levani; Reddy, Poovendhree
The use of genomics in public health has the potential to contribute towards the diagnoses of diseases, ensuring the efficiency of health promotion interventions and assist in developing more effective pharmaceuticals. Research conducted abroad has documented the discourse of public and medical perceptions towards genetic testing, however, there is a lack of information to inform the health sector within South Africa with respect to the knowledge and attitudes of the general public and medical sector towards genetic testing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to document and evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions surrounding the use of public health genomic (PHG) medicine. This was a quantitative cross sectional study and our convenient sample included representatives from the general public, medical students and medical practitioners within the eThekwini region in KwaZulu-Natal (n=170). Participants were required to fill out administered questionnaires which included likert scale questions. Medical practitioners from both private and public health sector in the KZN region were sampled (n=45). Medical students comprised of second year students from the UKZN Nelson R Mandela medical school who had not yet been exposed to the genetic module in their medical curriculum (n=79). Representatives of the general public included educators from private and public primary schools in Durban and surrounding areas (n=46). Descriptive and frequency analysis using mean, standard deviation and range was used for quantitative variables. Knowledge and attitude responses were stratified by gender, race and for medical practitioners by practice type. Bivariate correlations using Spearman’s rho test and principle component analysis was conducted. Scoring scales were used to determine the level of knowledge and type of attitude among participants towards predictive genetic testing. Results revealed that the knowledge of the general public, medical practitioners and medical students towards the use of public health genomics were adequate. Medical students displayed a negative attitude towards the uptake of predictive genetic testing which was contrary to the positive attitudes of the general public and medical practitioners. Stratification by gender indicated that women from the general public were more accepting of PHG despite the increased costs associated with genetic testing. We found that females were knowledgeable on the primary use of predictive genetic testing, and more Africans (77%) than Indians (46.2%) and Whites (50%) were aware that genetic testing is being offered in South Africa. Results of bivariate correlations revealed that current medical practitioners would still use predictive genetic testing despite the possible ethical, legal, and social implications for the end user. PCA (Principle Component Analysis) confirmed a strong factor loading for a willingness to use predictive genetic testing among the general public. PCA yielded a high factor loading on an awareness for the need for a proper legislative framework for PHG among medical students. Medical students articulated a need for additional training in public health genomics. In order to improve knowledge among the medical fraternity, institutions should adapt undergraduate and post-graduate curriculum to make provision for relevant PHG training that would be extended not only to medical and health care students but offered to qualified practitioners for continuous professional development training. In addition, awareness should be created on various media platforms to inform the public about the availability and costs associated with predictive genetic testing services in South Africa. Relevant stakeholders from both the public and private health sector in South Africa should be aware of the challenges that could impact on the uptake of public health genomics in South Africa, given its potential for use in the NHI (National Health Insurance) structure.
A desktop evaluation of the potential impact of nanotechnology applications in the field of environmental health in a developing country
(Science and Education Publishing, 2015) Naidoo, Levani; Kistnasamy, Emilie Joy
Nanotechnology is the latest addition to enhancing lifestyles of the human population. It also has an impact on the core parts that are vital to the well-being of humanity and its’ sustainability. Nanotechnology has been researched and is implemented in a number of countries at a commercialized level. However, in South Africa, nanotechnology is still being explored at grassroots with a few private industries implementing it. Based on research, the public health sector is expected to benefit the most from the application of nanotechnology. An environmental health practitioner plays a key role in ensuring the health and sustainability of the human population. The purpose of this desktop study is to generally explore the uses of nanotechnology in the Public Health sector with specificity to food, health and water remediation in the context of environmental health in South Africa and evaluate the possible impacts nanotechnology will have in the South African society. Proposed recommendations to be considered on how to address the use of nanotechnology in the current state of South Africa are made along with identifying the gaps in research in nanotechnology pertaining to South Africa.

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