Full Citation

Title: Introducing Medical Genetics Services in Ethiopia Using the MiGene Family History App

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2019

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Abstract: Purpose Almost all low-income countries and many middle-income countries lack the capacity to deliver medical genetics services. We developed the MiGene Family History App (MFHA), which assists doctors with family history collection and population-level epidemiologic analysis. The MFHA was studied at St. Paul’s Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A needs assessment was used to assess Ethiopian physicians’ experience with genetics services. The MFHA then collected patient data over a 6-month period. Results The majority of doctors provide genetics services, with only 16% reporting their genetics knowledge is sufficient. A total of 1699 patients from the pediatric ward (n = 367), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (n = 477), and antenatal clinic (n = 855) were collected using the MFHA with a 4% incidence of a MFHA-screened condition present. The incidence was 11.7% in the pediatric ward, 3% in the NICU, and 0.5% in the antenatal clinic. Heart malformations (5.5% of patients) and trisomy 21 (4.4% of patients) were the most common conditions in the pediatric ward. Conclusion Medical genetics services are needed in Ethiopia. As other countries increase their genetics capacity, the MFHA can provide fundamental genetics services and collect necessary epidemiologic data.

Url: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41436-018-0069-6

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Authors: Quinonez, Shane, C; Yeshidinber, Abate; Lourie, Michael, A; Bekele, Delayehu; Mekonnen, Yemisrach; Nigatu, Balkachew; Metaferia, Gesit; Jebessa, Solomie

Periodical (Full): Genetics in Medicine

Issue:

Volume: 21

Pages: 451-458

Data Collections: IPUMS International

Topics: Health, Methodology and Data Collection, Other, Population Health and Health Systems

Countries: Ethiopia