The Engaging Communities of Hispanics for Aging Research (ECHAR) Network

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundHispanics/Latinos (H/Ls) comprise 18% of the U.S. population but only about 5% of NIH‐funded Alzheimer’s disease research participant samples. Exclusion of this ethnic group – the largest in the U.S. – limits our interpretation or research findings and understanding of the causes of disparities. The Engaging Communities of Hispanics for Aging Research (ECHAR) Network is a collaborative, transdisciplinary network aimed at engaging, educating, and motivating H/Ls for participation in AD/ADRD research by addressing several barriers to inclusion, including health literacy and AD/ADRD‐related communication. In addition to improving H/L recruitment that will allow us to better examine AD/ADRD health disparities, ECHAR contributes to the development of inclusion science.MethodRelying on a community‐engaged approach, ECHAR employs a novel method – Boot Camp Translation (BCT) – to translate medical jargon into action‐based, community relevant messages. Over the course of several months, community stakeholders work closely with the research team to develop AD/ADRD communication that is more effectively consumed by local communities. An additional objective of ECHAR is to invite BCT participants to form local community advisory boards (CABs). By joining the research infrastructure, CAB members help develop and guide effective strategies to further improve community relations and inclusion.ResultWe have three established research teams in metropolitan areas with large H/L populations (Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Las Vegas, NV) carrying out BCTs in each of these cities throughout this year. Building off prior work from our group, the BCTs will help answer two questions: (1) What are key messages about AD/ADRD that are locally relevant to these communities? (2) How do we best disseminate these messages to local communities? Our work thus far has demonstrated a need for locally tailored messaging and strategies for dissemination (i.e., precision recruitment).ConclusionThe ECHAR Network aims to (1) establish CABs and train them on AD/ADRD in three cities; (2) develop key, culturally‐informed, AD/ADRD‐related materials as well as dissemination and evaluation strategies for H/L recruitment; and (3) develop sustainable research infrastructure to enhance outreach by supporting health disparities investigators and pilot grants. This approach is a first of its kind in the context of H/Ls and AD/ADRD recruitment.