“It’s what makes us unique”: Indigenous Australian perspectives on genetics research to improve comorbid mental and chronic disease outcomes

Abstract

Background

The role of personalized treatment approaches, including those based on genetic testing, are increasingly enabling informed decision-making to improve health outcomes. Research involving Indigenous Australians has been lagging behind, although this population experiences a higher prevalence of chronic disease and mental health disorders.

Methods

Using community-based participatory research principles, this study purposefully interviewed participants with a diagnosed common mental disorder and a comorbid chronic disease condition. This was an inductive thematic analysis on semi-structured interviews with consenting participants (n = 48). Common themes and analytical domains were identified that provided a semantic understanding shared by participants.

Results

Five emerging themes were identified, primarily focusing on: (1) The perceptions and understanding of genetics research; (2) culturally appropriate conduct of genetics research; (3) the role of indigenous-led genetics research; (4) future prospects of genetics research; and (5) the importance of genetics research for patients with mental and physical health comorbidities.

Conclusion

Indigenous Australians are under-represented in pharmacogenomics research despite well-documented epidemiological research demonstrating that Indigenous people globally experience greater risk of developing certain chronic diseases and more severe disease progression. Positive outcomes from this study highlight the importance of not only involving Indigenous participants, but providing leadership and governance opportunities for future genetics research.

Keywords:

• Mental health disorders
• chronic disease disorders
• comorbidities
• genetics research
• disease risk prediction
• indigenous health

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This study was funded by The University of Queensland Early Career Researcher Grant (UQECR2057377).

Declaration of financial/other relationships

The authors declare no relevant affiliation or involvement in an organization or entity with a financial or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Prof Maree Toombs for the cultural considerations and guidance throughout this project. We also acknowledge our Indigenous recruitment officer, who wished to remain anonymous, for their cultural leadership and guidance throughout this project.

We respectefully refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as Indigenous throughout this manuscript.