Motivating and Discouraging Factors for Bipolar Patient Participation in Genomic Research

Area of Science:

• Psychiatric Genetics
• Biobanking Ethics
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Understanding patient attitudes towards genetic research and biobanks is crucial for advancing bipolar disorder research.
• Previous studies have not fully explored these factors across diverse demographic groups, particularly concerning race and gender.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate motivating and discouraging factors influencing participation in genetic research and biobank programs among patients with bipolar disorder.
• To examine these factors across different gender and racial identities.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 63 adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
• Participants rated attitudes toward general medical and specific mental health research, and willingness to join a bipolar DNA biobank.
• Motivating factors and concerns regarding participation were assessed using a Likert scale.

Main Results:

• Willingness to participate in a bipolar biobank did not differ by gender, age, or education.
• Black/African American participants were less willing to participate and more likely to express concerns about trust, privacy, and autonomy compared to White participants.
• While discouraging factors did not differ between participants willing or unwilling to join, those unwilling showed significantly lower support for motivating factors like knowledge gain and personal benefit.

Conclusions:

• Race was a factor in bipolar disorder biobanking attitudes, with Black/African American individuals showing greater concerns.
• Insufficient positive motivation, rather than solely discouraging factors, was a more significant predictor of opposition to biobanking.
• Emphasizing safeguards, ethical duties, and community-based education is essential to increase research participation and understanding of benefits.