Perception of Biobanking among sample collectors, sample transporters, laboratory staff and biobank staff at Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit

Abstract

Background; Involving participants and stakeholders in biobank research activities is currently at a high demand. There has been research carried out to explore the views towards biobanking among researchers, participants, REC (Research Ethics Committee) members and patients. However, there has not been much research that has been done to explore views of professionals in the biobanking field. The aim of this study was to understand the level of knowledge of biobanking and the perceptions towards biobanking. Methods; This cross-sectional study used a qualitative research methodology to explore the perceptions and the level of knowledge towards biobanking among sample collectors, sample transporters, laboratory staff and biobank staff at Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit. An in-depth interview guide was used to collect the information, and all interviews were audio recorded. Results; A total of 17 participants took part in this study. Several participants (70.6%) associated biobanking to the storage of samples for future use and research purposes. 82.4% participants also linked a biobank to a facility that deals with handling of samples and has different storage equipment and controlled temperature conditions. Participants felt that more biobanks were needed in Uganda. 76.5% were also willing to donate samples and 52.9% supported shipping of samples out of Uganda. Conclusion; Despite their knowledge about biobanks, there seemed to be a gap in the awareness of all biobanking activities. Although many recommendations were suggested, one important aspect to take from all that would be that the biobanks should be transparent about the activities they carry out and what guidelines they follow. Understanding the concerns raised by the respondents and putting them into consideration can help improve on biobanking in Uganda and at Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit.

Datum der Bewilligung	2021
Originalsprache	Englisch
Gradverleihende Hochschule	Medizinische Universität Graz
Betreuer/-in	Berthold Huppertz (Betreuer*in)