Tailoring recruitment message content to reach diverse communities for AD research participation

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundCOVID19 forced cessation of in‐person recruitment accelerating reliance on social media and other communication strategies. New strategies are needed to reach healthy controls who are typically recruited outside of clinical settings. Engaging diverse communities is also a priority given the disproportionate burden of AD and related dementias. Understanding the general and differential appeal of recruitment messaging to diverse groups will facilitate more effectively tailored messaging.MethodsThe Voices Heard Survey designed to identify factors associated with willingness to participate in biomedical research requesting biospecimens was administered to a diverse sample of 406 Wisconsin residents. Respondents include White (n=100), African American (n=105), Latino (n=100) and American Indian (n=101) adults. The 96 item survey assessed trust in medical research, along the continuum of study complexity and invasiveness relevant to AD studies, factors positively or negatively affecting willingness to participate in biomedical studies and clinical trials. Response frequencies indicated likelihood of participation were calculated for the full sample and by racial/ethnic group. Chi‐Square analyses were computed to determine significant differences across groups.ResultsSample characteristics are presented in Table 1. The factors most highly associated with willingness to volunteer for a study for the total sample were: Invited to Participate (85%), Research Goal (83%), Family Member with Disease (74%) and factors less likely to promote participation were: Share Results (48%), Paid for Participation (35%) and Transportation (34%) (see Figure 1). Significant differences were observed between the White and minority groups for the following factors: Black, Latino and American Indian respondents were: Significantly more likely to volunteer if asked by a a person of the same race (p<.0001), and more concerned than Whites about Disruption of work and family responsibilities (p< .001),Availability of transportation(p<.01), and If the results are used to help others (p<.01), and Childcare (p<.02). Remuneration for participation (p<.06) and sharing results with community (p<.07) approached significance. Specific priorities by racial and ethnic group will be presented.ConclusionAD study recruitment requires strategic communication and innovative methods of reaching groups traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research. We identified information opportunities for tailored messaging designed to increase awareness of the value and opportunities afforded of research participation.