Factors affecting genetic counseling experiences of foreign residents in Japan: implications for healthcare inclusivity

Nakasato, Kate; Isono, Moeko; Kato, Kazuto

Journal of Community Genetics, 2025, 16(6), 839-851

Number of Access:28（2025-12-17 16:00 Counts）

Identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11094/103267

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Title
Factors affecting genetic counseling experiences of foreign residents in Japan: implications for healthcare inclusivity
Creator
CreatorName
Nakasato, Kate
NRID
1000040981501 1000040981501
researchmap permalink
moekoisono moekoisono
CreatorName
Isono, Moeko
NRID
1000010202011 1000010202011
ORCID
0000-0001-9006-9551 0000-0001-9006-9551
researchmap permalink
KatoOUMed KatoOUMed
Scopus Author ID
57349178000 57349178000
CreatorName
Kato, Kazuto
Subject
Diversity
Foreign residents
Genetic counseling
Genomic medicine
Inclusivity
Japan
Description
The version of record of this article, first published in Journal of Community Genetics 16 (2025), is available online at Publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-025-00833-z
Abstract
The rapid development of genomic medicine and simultaneous global diversification of societies present new and complex challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. Medical professionals are now expected to communicate highly complex and evolving genetic information while simultaneously addressing the diverse linguistic, cultural, and social needs of their patient populations. At the center of this effort is the genetic counselor, who must navigate cultural perceptions of genetics, varying levels of health literacy, language barriers, and socioeconomic disparities to deliver equitable and effective care. Research in this area is expanding. However, its global distribution remains uneven and disproportionately concentrated in certain regions. In Japan, where many sectors of society are not yet fully equipped to meet the needs of its increasing migrant population, i.e., foreign residents, research describing the factors that impact their genetic counseling experiences is scarce. To fill this gap, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with ten individuals who have had genetic counseling in Japan for prenatal diagnosis/screening, hereditary cancer, or hereditary monogenic disease. Thematic analysis revealed five factors that impacted their experience with genetic counseling: (1) Japanese language proficiency, (2) genetic literacy, (3) digital health literacy, (4) global family connections, and (5) interactions with medical professionals. These findings not only provide nuance to existing literature but also suggest areas of improvement for the cultural competence training of genetic counselors in Japan and point towards the need for guiding resources at the international level.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Source Title
Journal of Community Genetics
Volume (Issue)
16(6)
Page
839-851
Date of Issued
2025-09-30
Language
English
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/11094/103267
PISSN
1868310X
eISSN
18686001
Relation.isIdenticalTo
DOI (Publisher Version)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-025-00833-z
Access Rights
open access
CopyRight
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
oaire:version
Version of Record
Category
学術雑誌論文 Journal Article