Recruitment and retention of US Latinos in biomedical research and clinical trials

Abstract

AbstractLatinos/Hispanics are underrepresented in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).This underrepresentation reduces the generalizability of research findings, widening health disparities. These are significant public health concerns, because Latinos have a higher risk than non‐Latino Whites to develop ADRD and represent 19% of the US population.Taking lessons from the micro‐meso‐macro framework of Maria Aranda et al., in this session the Recruitment and Clinical Trials Special Interest Group (SIG) of the US Consortium of Aging, Dementia & Latino Studies (CADLAS) will discuss opportunities, challenges and future directions across multiple lenses of analysis. We argue that to increase Latino representation it is essential a far‐reaching perspective sensitive to the interplay among subjective/community (i.e., micro) factors, meso factors pertaining to the domain of clinical trials and researchers, as well as macro factors such as policies of funders and regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).The SIG aims to promote collaborations among investigators working to improve participation and retention of US Latino/Hispanic populations into clinical research. Building on the expertise of SIG members, key opportunities range from fostering career advancements while offering job opportunities to Latino outreach specialists, to playing Loteria to engage Latino audiences. Opportunities also include new ways of designing participants’ incentives moving beyond financial compensations to include ad‐hoc medical services, and caregiving and transportation supports. Challenges range from funders not requiring comprehensive and culturally‐relevant recruitment plans (and related budgets), to limited awareness of clinical trials in Latino communities. Promising directions include emerging partnerships between national organizations trusted by Latino communities and the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial Consortium, and the recent plan of the FDA to recommend diversity plans. The session will end with a set of recommendations leveraging on opportunities and promising directions.