The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41970

R. Patti Herring, PhD¹, Susanne Montgomery, MS, MPH, PhD¹, and David Williams, PhD². (1) School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion and Education, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Avenue, Loma Linda, CA 92354, 909-558-8729, pherring@sph.llu.edu, (2) Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St. Rm 2230, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248

Minority populations historically have been poorly represented in clinical trials and epidemiological research. Reasons for this omission range from minorities' attitudes and beliefs to researchers' failure to encourage their participation. This paper discusses Black church members' opinions and attitudes about their: nonparticipation in past studies, opinions regarding participation in the future, and suggestions for recruitment for an upcoming longitudinal church-based study. Preliminary studies in California and Pennsylvania pilot tested a recruitment model designed for the recruitment of the targeted 45,000 Black participants. Data were collected via personal interviews and focus groups. Qualitative methods were used for data analysis and reporting. Findings support the literature in that Blacks share a general mistrust of the medical/scientific community (signing an informed consent form signifies signing away rights rather than an instrument of protection); a lack of knowledge by most in the Black community about the opportunities for and long term benefits of participation in such studies, partially due to nonparticipation of Black researchers; economic barriers such as the lack of time for and access to such studies; the lack of culturally sensitive approaches in the recruitment of Blacks to studies; and finally a lack of inclusion of minority health professionals in meaningful ways that help set methodology and study aims. Building trust was the single-most important factor for Black participation in the future study. This involves clearly identifying the potential benefits of the study results to them and their community as well and including Blacks in meaningful ways throughout.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Recite at least 3 reason why Blacks are poorly representeed in research studies.
• 2.Discuss at least 3 barriers related to Blacks attitudes & feelings about participating in research.
• 3.List at least 3 ways of encouraging or incentiving Blacks to participate in research studies.

Keywords: Research, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.