Abstract 2540: Belief in research, religious coping, and willingness to participate in clinical trials among African Americans with hematologic malignancies: a pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of the proposed prospective cohort, pilot study is to recruit 30 AAs with hematologic malignancies to determine if a relationship exists between belief in research and willingness to participate in cancer clinical trials. The secondary objective is to determine whether religious coping moderates the effect of belief in research on the relationship between willingness to participate. Description: African Americans (AAs) are disproportionately affected by certain types of hematologic malignancies, yet despite the efforts of investigators, they remain grossly underrepresented in cancer clinical trials. Few studies have evaluated the underrepresentation in clinical trials in this subgroup, while studies evaluating the same problem in AAs with solid tumors is well documented. A known barrier to clinical trial enrollment is knowledge of clinical trials; however, knowledge does not necessarily mean one will participate. One has also to believe and be willing to participate in clinical trials. Even so, it is unknown if a relationship exists between belief in research and willingness to participate in clinical trials in AAs with hematologic malignancies. Similarly, it is unknown if religious coping influences the possible association between belief in research and willingness to participate in AAs with hematologic malignancies. Due to sparse literature showing the connection of the concepts within this subset of AAs, research investigating the relationship between belief in research and willingness to participate is warranted. Summary: Data will be captured at one time using the validated Brief Religious Coping Scale and researcher generated questions that address belief in research and willingness to participate in cancer clinical trials. Conclusion: Findings will help in the design of future studies and the feasibility of recruiting AAs with hematologic malignancies. Citation Format: Marjorie Petty. Belief in research, religious coping, and willingness to participate in clinical trials among African Americans with hematologic malignancies: a pilot study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2540.