Estimates suggest that psychotic disorders affect more than 21 million people worldwide. The burden of disease associated with these disorders is notable; for example, schizophrenia alone accounts for 13.4 million years of life lived with disability globally. Individuals living with psychotic disorders are also at risk for premature and increased rates of mortality, as well as development of other comorbid physical health conditions (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory diseases). The majority of persons living with psychotic disorders reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet there is a substantial gap in mental health research from LMICs.
This is particularly true for genetic research on neuropsychiatric disorders, which has historically focused on individuals of European ancestry. To address this divide, the Neuropsychiatric Genetics of African Populations-Psychosis (NeuroGAP-Psychosis - I) study sought to expand knowledge of the genetic and environmental risk factors for neuropsychiatric disorders in Africa through large-scale sample collection and analysis. This initial study concluded in March 2023 (IRB17-0822) with a sample size of 43,000 across Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.
NeuroGAP-Psychosis II will continue these efforts in diverse populations in Nairobi, Kenya. We are hoping that with NeuroGAP-Psychosis and NeuroGAP-Psychosis II we will provide a reference to many other African countries regarding the genetic, societal and environmental factors associated with psychosis.
