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

## TL;DR

This study explores how language, culture, and communication affect genetic counseling for foreign residents in Japan, highlighting the need for inclusive healthcare practices.

## Contribution

The study identifies five key factors influencing genetic counseling experiences of foreign residents in Japan, offering insights for improving cultural competence in healthcare.

## Key findings

- Japanese language proficiency significantly impacts genetic counseling experiences.
- Genetic and digital health literacy are critical for effective counseling.
- Interactions with medical professionals and global family connections influence counseling outcomes.

## 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.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12687-025-00833-z.