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Genomics screening views and practices in South East Asian, Indian and Chinese populations: a scoping review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Population genomics screening can stratify individual health and reproductive risks for carriers of genetic conditions. As global implementation expands, insights from diverse settings will help shape equitable and contextually appropriate practice. This scoping review maps views and genomics screening practices for populations in South East Asia, a multicultural yet underrepresented region. Chinese and Indian populations were also included given their cultural and demographic relevance to communities in this region. A systematic search was conducted in Ovid, Embase and Web of Science for studies published until December 2025. Eligible studies reported views and uptake of population screening amongst participants and healthcare professionals; studies reporting screening for clinical indications were excluded. From 1,971 records retrieved, 31 studies met inclusion criteria. Study characteristics such as knowledge, attitudes, screening uptake barriers and facilitators, reproductive intentions and views of healthcare professionals were tabulated. Studies were published between 1998 and 2025 from six countries, predominantly from China ( n = 18), and largely reported carrier screening initiatives ( n = 29). Fifteen studies explored views towards screening, 12 reported implementation outcomes and four addressed both. Screening engagement was limited by knowledge gaps, religious and cultural influences, and cost; however, attitudes were favourable following education and health system integration. When screening was implemented, uptake and consideration of reproductive options was high. Effective implementation in South East Asia requires targeted educational interventions for both communities and healthcare professionals, affordable delivery models and clinician-supported integration into healthcare services to provide equitable and culturally sensitive delivery.

Source: BMC Medicine

DOI: 10.1186/s12916-026-05100-7