Assessment of Biobanking Knowledge and Attitudes towards Biospecimen Donation among Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia

Abdelbaset Buhmeida, Mourad Assidi, Omar Alyazidi, Duaa Ibrahim Olwi, Ahmed Althuwaylimi, Fatimah M. Yahya, Leila Arfaoui, Leena Merdad and Adel Mohammad Abuzenadah ()
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Abdelbaset Buhmeida: Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
Mourad Assidi: Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
Omar Alyazidi: Public Health Administration, Directorate of Health Affairs of Jeddah Region, Ministry of Health, Jeddah 23222, Saudi Arabia
Duaa Ibrahim Olwi: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah 22384, Saudi Arabia
Ahmed Althuwaylimi: School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
Fatimah M. Yahya: Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
Leila Arfaoui: Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
Leena Merdad: Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
Adel Mohammad Abuzenadah: Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-14

Abstract: Background: Biobanking is a critical cornerstone of the global shift towards precision medicine (PM). This transformation requires smooth and informed interaction between a range of stakeholders involved in the healthcare system. In Saudi Arabia, there is still insufficient awareness of the importance of biobanking and its potential benefits for patients, the healthcare system, and society as a whole. The purpose of this study was to determine the biobanking knowledge of Saudi healthcare providers and the potential factors that might influence their self-reported attitudes toward biospecimen donation and biobanking. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting 636 healthcare providers in Makkah province using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Results: The study had a response rate of 61%. The mean knowledge level about biobanks was 3.5 (±1.8) out of 7. About one-third of the participants were aware of the Human Genome Project (HGP) (35%) or the term “biobank” (34%). The mean rating of their attitude was 37.3 (±4.3) out of 55. Most participants (74%) had a positive attitude toward medical research. Job position, general health, previous blood tests, knowledge of biobanking, and attitudes toward biomedical research were significantly related and predictors of willingness to donate biospecimens ( p < 0.05). However, concerns about biospecimen misuse and confidentiality were the main reasons for not donating biospecimens. Conclusions: This study has shown that healthcare providers mostly lack basic knowledge about HGP and biobanks and their roles and activities, and therefore are generally disinclined to actively participate in biospecimens’ collection and management. It is recommended that medical trainees receive more education and awareness about biobanks and the latest personalized healthcare approaches to improve translational research outcomes and achieve precision medicine.

Keywords: biobank; health survey; biospecimens; precision medicine; human genome project; tissue repository (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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