An exploration of the cultural context of kinship and genetics amongst Arabic-Australians: Implications for practice

Abstract

This paper examines the culturally determined attitudes and beliefs about kinship, causation of hereditary cancer and other illnesses and the importance of family history amongst Arabic-Australians. Ethnographic interviews were conducted initially with individuals who had attended a family cancer clinic and subsequently with community members. Our aim was to either verify or challenge the reported findings from the clinic sample. Interviews with 38 participants provided cultural descriptions of hereditary illnesses, including cancer, and their causes. While respondents recognized family history as an important factor that reflects on one's likelihood of successful child-bearing, models of kinship described were not in line with Western concepts. Important issues emerged which need to be recognized as potential barriers to access to genetics services and challenges in this community. These include a lack of awareness of inherited cancer and the impact of consanguinity on the understanding of kinship in this community. © 2011 National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc.