Abstract for presentation at 11th International Congress of Human Genetics

The Sudanese population in Australia has increased considerably in recent years. Within Queensland significant Sudanese populations now exist in Brisbane and Toowoomba. As a result we have noticed an increase in the number of Sudanese clients referred for genetic counselling, especially in a prenatal setting. We aim to provide information about Sudan and the Sudanese culture, particularly with regards to attitudes towards pregnancy, health and disability. We will also identify and explore, by providing case examples, some of the challenges that have arisen when providing genetic counselling to Sudanese clients. Such challenges include: the difficulty in obtaining a pedigree and in developing an understanding of the family unit; the lack of accurate birth date information, which can pose particular difficulties when counselling in a prenatal setting; using population data based on Western populations which is of unknown value in the Sudanese; and the challenges surrounding the use of interpreters. Finally we will propose some strategies which may assist in overcoming these challenges.