Recruitment Of African Americans Research Articles

Recruitment of Underrepresented Groups into the AHEAD Study: Strategic plan of Action

AbstractBackgroundTo ensure that therapies are applicable for all groups, ethnic/racial diversity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical trials is an ethical imperative. Toward this goal, we developed a recruitment model founded on 1) building trust by providing accurate and transparent information, and 2) using culturally sensitive approaches to address legitimate concerns. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals from under‐represented groups (URG) to participate in AD research.MethodOur group focuses on recruitment of racialized groups. Using a multistep approach (figure1), we established partnerships and created community advisory boards (CABs) comprised of leaders who effectively advocate for community needs. Research projects are presented to the CABs to determine alignment with community needs. Assessments with community leaders and advisory networks help identify opportunities to fulfill community needs. Recruitment of African Americans (AA) into the AHEAD study, a study assessing the recently approved monoclonal antibody, lecanemab in participants with preclinical AD, began by presenting the project to the Black Leaders of Brain Health (BLBH) CAB. Incorporating their input into our approach, we will structure community talks and events in a culturally appropriate manner in discussions with the larger AA community. Example, we utilized a questionnaire at an event to introduce AA participants in a biomarker study to the AHEAD study (figures 2 & 3).ResultFeedback received from BLBH includes advocating to funders, including the NIH to fund research that reflects inclusivity and diversity. BLBH recommended building URG voices into study design by having a diverse scientific team and hiring community members to collect data. Additionally, rather than excessive compensation, researchers should speak to the study benefits both for the individual’s and the community’s health. Finally, BLBH members emphasized the need to include hopeful messages and advice to improve health, rather than merely pointing out that AA are most likely among racial groups to have the disease.ConclusionRecruitment models involving trust building and partnerships with groups consisting of community members of URG will be mutually beneficial for both the health researcher and the communities that they serve. This may serve as a means to tip the scale toward increased participation by URG in biomedical research.

365-OR: A Machine-Learning Approach to Estimate Insulin Resistance from Untargeted Metabolomics Data

Insulin resistance (IR) is constantly invoked as a contributor to numerous common diseases, e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease; however, with the exception of a narrow segment of diabetes-related studies, IR is infrequently measured and rarely measured well. Our goal was to develop IR estimation models for the dynamic measure of insulin sensitivity (SI) and the basal measure of homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMAIR) from metabolomics data combined with minimal clinical data, e.g. age, sex, BMI. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Elastic Net regression were used to build estimation models using 1274 metabolites, prioritized by trait associations and collected in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study (IRASFS). Three metabolite transformations were implemented (inverse normal transformation, standardization, and Box Cox transformation) to account for distributional differences and tested to optimize estimation. The analysis was performed in one Mexican American (MA) recruitment site (San Luis Valley, CO (SLV), N=450) and tested in another MA recruitment site (San Antonio, TX (SA), N=473). In addition, the two MA recruitment sites were combined and estimation models tested in the African American recruitment site (AA; Los Angeles, California, N=495) to assess generalizability. Estimated SI was correlated with empiric SI in the SA (r2=0.77) and AA (r2=0.74) testing datasets. Further, we tested estimated SI for association with BMI, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides with results consistent with those observed for empiric SI. The same framework was used to estimate HOMAIR, and yielded similar results. In summary, we have developed methods for estimating multiple measures of IR from a single blood sample. This approach will greatly expand our ability to provide meaningful insight into the role of IR in disease, supporting the potential for application to a wide-range of biomedical studies. Disclosure N.Allred: None. D.W.Bowden: None. F.Hsu: None. S.Chen: None. M.Ng: None. M.O.Goodarzi: Advisory Panel; Nestlé Health Science, Other Relationship; Nestlé Health Science. J.I.Rotter: None. L.E.Wagenknecht: None. M.Bancks: None. R.N.Bergman: Consultant; Lilly, ReCor Medical, Inc., Research Support; AstraZeneca. Funding National Institutes of Health (DK118062)

Abstract B088: The Alabama Hereditary Cancer Cohort – New strategies for African American recruitment

Abstract Our group has established the Alabama Hereditary Cancer Cohort and primarily investigates breast cancer genetics in African American, an underrepresented group in biomedical research. Alabama has double the national percentage of African Americans and is the location of the infamous and unethical Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Therefore, strategic protocols were developed to break research participation barriers, effectively recruiting African American hereditary breast cancer cases and families. Our initial recruitment strategies involved both hospital-based and community-based recruitment; the latter involved our recruitment bus, the Gene Machine, and focused on African American engagement. Since our initial publication, our community-based recruitment protocol has been modified. Many of the modifications were due to the pandemic, limiting in-person community engagement. In-person education seminars and enrollment sessions transitioned to virtual meetings, using various video-conferencing platforms. Regarding virtual enrollments, upon agreement to proceed with the virtual consent process, study participants are mailed an enrollment kit containing study consent forms, saliva collection kits, return mailing materials, and instructions. Once received, an enrollment appointment is made, and the consent process follows the procedure for in-person study enrollment, concluding with the saliva sample collection. Once collected, the sample is packaged with the consent forms and returned to our laboratory in the postage-paid mailer. Community-based recruitment has also been enhanced by partnering with the Alabama Department of Public Health to identify study participants through the Alabama Statewide Cancer Registry, similar to the very successful Carolina Breast Cancer Study. Furthermore, Research Champions have been added to the protocol, defined as primary healthcare providers and specialists who aid in recruitment by identifying individuals who fit the study criteria. The concept of Research Champions was developed after recognizing that the requirements to execute hospital-based recruitment are arduous on partnering hospitals. Thus, the sole function of a Research Champion is identifying prospective study participants, relieving the burden on physicians and hospital staff. Lastly, our Gene Machine Facebook page and newly designed website, tailored towards laypeople/study participants, facilitate additional engagement through ads, videos, and photos. Ultimately, these processes reduce the travel burden, aid in social distancing, and expand our reach, enhancing recruitment and enrollment efforts and breaking barriers to African American research. Citation Format: Nancy Merner, Elizabeth Stallworth, Erica Reasor, Katia Khoury, Lily Gutnik, Meagan Farmer, Brandon Johnson. The Alabama Hereditary Cancer Cohort – New strategies for African American recruitment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B088.

Trusted Partnerships in the Faith Community Facilitate Awareness and Recruitment of African Americans for Alzheimer’s Disease Studies

AbstractBackgroundHistorical mistrust in medical systems has resulted in low Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research participation among African Americans (AA). However, the faith community remains a trusted institution among many AAs and can be a major facilitator for increasing AA AD awareness and research. To better understand the health needs of AAs and build relationships with faith organizations in the Triad area of North Carolina, we conducted a community needs assessment (CNA) among local faith leaders.MethodA mixed‐methods CNA was conducted. Quantitative data was collected from 44 pastors of AA churches via surveys that assessed resources, church demographics, and health topics of concern. Descriptive statistics were conducted for survey data. Qualitative data was collected during “listening tours” among pastors, with specific emphases on healthy aging, trust in medical systems, and research perceptions. Data from “listening tours” were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultOur CNA indicated that AD was a common health topic of concern among pastors and their congregations. This is likely influenced by the composition of the churches, given that more than half of the pastors reported that at least 30% of their congregation was 65 years of age or older. During 2021, collaborations between MACHE and faith leaders produced 3 webinars, 13 food distributions, and 4 community outreach events. Over 40,000 people were provided AD and brain health education; 1,961 community members expressed interest in AD research opportunities; and 580 AAs enrolled in the NC Registry for Brain Health over an 8‐month period in 2021, during the COVID‐19 pandemic.ConclusionThrough a 3‐year partnership, the TPN and MACHE have significantly increased brain health awareness and AA participation in AD research through grassroots community engagement and outreach. Investments in trusting and sustained partnerships between an academic institution and faith communities demonstrated efficacy in increasing opportunities for providing service, access to research, and health education opportunities to communities that are typically underrepresented in research.

:Promises of Citizenship: Film Recruitment of African Americans in World War II

Previous articleNext article No AccessBook ReviewsKathleen M. German, Promises of Citizenship: Film Recruitment of African Americans in World War II. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 2017. Pp. 286. $65.00 (cloth); $30.00 (paper).Le’Trice DonaldsonLe’Trice DonaldsonUniversity of Wisconsin–Stout (USA) Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUSFull Text Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by The Journal of African American History Volume 107, Number 4Fall 2022 A journal of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/721603 Views: 10Total views on this site For permission to reuse, please contact [email protected]PDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.

A Snapshot of Modalities for Recruitment of African Americans for an Intensive Behavioral Therapy Weight Management Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Upon completion, the participant will be able to identify two successful recruitment methods of a minority population for a weight management intervention designed to improve nutrition and physical activity behaviors.

African-American Community during Mobilization Measures 1917–1918: Hope and Practice

The article is devoted to the military mobilization of the African-American community to the USA Army during the First World War; the expectations of African-Americans of participating in hostilities on the fronts of World War I in the U.S. Army; and the point of view of the U.S. government and military on the role of African-Americans as part of the U.S. Army. This question remains relevant today, as some aspects of the problem are still not studied enough in world historiography. The research methodology involves general scientific and special historical research methods. The integrated approach helped to combine different theoretical aspects of the issues under the study and relate them to specific historical events, based on which it was possible to trace the positions of different segments of society on both national and financial grounds regarding the role of African-American soldiers at the front. The chronological approach contributed to the study of the topic in historical retrospect, the study of the sequence of events of the mobilization activities and the arrival of African-American soldiers on the European front. The biographical approach identified certain individuals who played a key role in the mobilization of African-Americans and their further distribution in the military. A statistical approach to studying the problem made it possible to determine the number of African-Americans involved in the American armed corps in Europe and their relationship between combat and support battalions. The scientific novelty of the paper is that the study of the position of the African-American community in the mobilization of the First World War, their expectations and realities, called the racist position of the establishment and the army, are studied. The paper concludes that World War I was the first global event to give the African-American community hope for equal rights within its state. In practice, due to the predominance of racists in the command structure, the recruitment of African-Americans to the military was soon reduced, and segregation and racial discrimination remained within its borders.

Telephone survey to identify factors predicting willingness to enroll in biomarker studies and disclosure‐related outcomes

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnostics is evolving rapidly, moving toward biomarker‐based diagnoses characterized by amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration. To clarify benefits and risks of using this framework with cognitively unimpaired adults, particularly those from groups under‐represented in AD biomarker research, we developed a 30‐minute telephone survey to identify factors predicting willingness to enroll in biomarker studies and hypothetical disclosure‐related outcomes.MethodExisting scales were modified for telephone administration to assess experience/concern about AD, perceived health, health locus of control, brain health social norms, trust in medical research, and experiences of discrimination. Five hypothetical scenarios assessed willingness to participate in biomarker studies with or without results disclosure. Three open‐ended items provided qualitative data on willingness to participate and share results with others. Forty‐one items assessed reasons for learning results and potential reactions following a hypothetical elevated result. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate response patterns. Thematic analysis of open‐ended items was conducted using an inductive coding method.ResultCognitively unimpaired participants (N=334) included 148 Black/African Americans and 186 non‐Hispanic Whites; aged 45‐89; Table 1). Most participants had cared for someone with dementia (73%), desired to know if they will develop AD (82%) and trust medical research (mean RAQ‐7 = 30/35) (Table 2). Approximately 50% were very or extremely willing to participate in biomarker studies regardless of results disclosure; however, African Americans were less willing to participate if results were not disclosed. Common themes related to willingness to participate and learn results included wanting to know if at personal risk or to prevent/plan for AD and wanting to support science or help others. Misgivings/anxiety about knowing biomarker and concerns about invasiveness or lack of a cure for AD were common themes for those less willing (Table 3).ConclusionThis survey assesses AD‐relevant, health, and experiential factors, willingness to participate in biomarker research, and disclosure‐related outcomes. Initial results suggest understanding risk, prevention/planning behaviors, and helping others are reasons for participating and learning biomarker results. Results may also inform recruitment of African Americans into biomarker studies. Future analyses will investigate factors predicting potential positive (e.g., planning, risk‐reducing behavior) and negative (psychological distress/stigma) disclosure outcomes.

Outreach and recruitment of African Americans for Alzheimer’s disease studies during the COVID‐19 pandemic

BackgroundRecruiting African Americans in AD studies remains a challenge, particularly during a pandemic, where major health disparities in this population are illuminated. The recruitment literature suggests myriad factors that contribute to the underrepresentation of AAs, including, but not limited to “mistrust” in researchers and their institutions. Maintaining a continuous presence in the AA community builds trust even when traditional outreach methods are not allowed. We continued to provide outreach and recruitment opportunities through COVID education and food for families as we educated them about AD, and opportunities for study participation.MethodWhile our traditional outreach methods for recruiting AAs were interrupted, we continued to conduct AD outreach using virtual platforms, mobile phone calls, family conference calls and food distributions. We hosted nine webinars on COVID‐19 to maintain a presence in local and national AA communities and to remain connected to existing AD participants. We reached over 160,000 persons through webinars and social media. We established new relationship new faith leaders in the AA community who co‐hosted COVID‐19 webinars and also expressed interest in forming partnerships on AD education. In addition, we hosted food drives in AA communities that not only addressed food insecurity and COVID prevention, but also AD education and AD research opportunities. At the food drives we distributed bags with masks, hand sanitizers, AD brochures, booklets and study participation information.ResultBetween October and December of 2020, 64 AAs who attended food drives expressed interest in AD studies that required blood draws and cognitive testing. Fifteen enrolled in our genetic study, 15 requested additional follow‐up and 13 expressed interest in participating in more than one study.ConclusionPrior research suggests that recruiting AAs into AD studies requires continuous engagement. We used multiple strategies to maintain contact with the AA community and existing research participants, and successfully increased enrollment in the last quarter of the year. Maintaining consistent and continuous engagement facilitates trustworthiness with AAs and yields positive recruitment outcomes, even in a pandemic where traditional recruitment methods are limited.

Recruitment of African Americans into Cancer Clinical Research: Strategies and Outcomes

This study utilized data from four cancer-focused research studies that recruited and retained African Americans. Strategies and outcomes across four cancer prevention and control studies were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to display participant characteristics. There were 712 African American (Black) participants of which 14.6% were males. Common strategies involved connecting with community stakeholders and identifying study champions. Study recruitment methods might not be generalizable to all populations of African Americans due to geographic locations, study protocols (e.g., risk reduction), target populations (i.e., eligibility criteria), and available resources. Many African Americans have a strong interest in cancer-related research as demonstrated by participation levels. Teams that connect with relevant stakeholders and include diverse teams may be useful to engage larger numbers of minorities in cancer control research to impact morbidity and mortality.

Racially diverse participant registries to facilitate the recruitment of African Americans into presymptomatic Alzheimer's disease studies.

The Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Registry (ADPR) of the Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Duke University has been successful in achieving a racially diverse and "research ready" cohort of cognitively healthy volunteers. The ADPR is based on an infrastructure that includes: (1) an administrative leadership team; (2) a coordinating center; (3) an IT management team; (4) a community engagement team; and (5) collaborations with study partners across disciplines. The ADPR currently has more than 4677 members, 26% of whom are African American. The ADPR has supported 21 studies including 8 biomarker studies, 7 clinical trials, 4 cognitive neuroscience studies, and 2 studies assessing novel computerized measures. We describe our experiences establishing and maintaining a diverse ADPR as well as insights on recruitment strategies to increase the representation of African Americans in Alzheimer's disease studies.

Abstract B032: African American cancer survivors’ perspectives on clinical trial participation at a safety-net hospital cancer center

Abstract Introduction: Clinical trial participation is essential to the progress of optimizing cancer care outcomes; however, there is a paucity of African American (AA) participation in cancer clinical trials (CCTs) resulting in significant gaps in treatment efficacy. There has been a robust amount of research on ways to increase AA participation in CCTs, but few studies have examined AA recruitment at safety-net hospitals. The objective of this study is to utilize a multilevel, qualitative approach to assess the clinical and non-clinical facilitators and barriers to AA participation in CCTs at a safety-net hospital from the perspective of AA cancer survivors. Methods: Study participants (n=25) were recruited from a cancer center at a safety-net hospital in the southeastern U.S. Eligible participants were individuals who: 1) self-identified as AA; 2) were 18-75 years old; 3) spoke and read English; 4) diagnosed with cancer; 5) had no functional limitations that would interfere with participation in a 60-minute focus group; and 6) be capable of providing written consent for study participation. Focus groups were digitally recorded and transcribed. Data was coded and analyzed to identify the most prominent themes representing unifying ideas and concepts. Results: Theme 1: Understanding of Cancer Clinical Trial Terminology (Barrier). For some of the participants this focus group session was the first conversation they had where they were able to discuss their cancer diagnosis with other survivors. Participants also expressed confusion between clinical trials and treatment; many did not know the difference between the terms. There were instances where patients used the terms incorrectly, especially during discussions about willingness to participate in trials. Theme 2: Perceptions of Cancer Clinical Trials (Barrier). Participants may have heard of clinical trials but did not know what a cancer clinical trial entailed. Once a clinical trial was explained participants expressed that they may have taken part. Some indicated that no medical professionals discussed a clinical trial or recruited them to participate. Participants who were knowledgeable about CCTs expressed that they were ineligible for the trial, although ineligibility also seemed to be confusing for them. Most reported receiving information from pamphlets. Theme 3: Role of Patient Navigator (Facilitator). In general, participants expressed trust in their physicians, particularly for medical information; however, some preferred resources and information from a patient navigator. All agreed that they would be willing to work with a patient navigator and saw the patient navigator’s role as providing social support and as a resource. Participants preferred a knowledgeable patient navigator that had cancer experience. Conclusion: Including cancer patient navigators as part of the treatment team staff may help traverse potential barriers to CCT participation, and ultimately increase the number of AAs diagnosed with cancer participating in CCTs. Citation Format: Natalie D Hernandez, Raegan W Durant, Dexter L Cooper, Desiree Rivers, Ebony Repress, Nedra Lisovicz, Brian M Rivers. African American cancer survivors’ perspectives on clinical trial participation at a safety-net hospital cancer center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B032.

THE MEANINGS OF TRUST IN AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH PARTICIPATION IN DEMENTIA RESEARCH

African American /Black American older adults’ low participation in research reduces the generalizability of research findings and hinders understanding of dementia mechanisms, further widening health disparities. Both the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institutes of Health have identified recruitment of African Americans with cognitive impairment into dementia research as an area of high priority. Distrust of research and medical institutions is often cited as a barrier to participation of African Americans in dementia research. Therefore, the goal of this study is to better understand African American community members’ expectations associated with trust. We used focus groups and semi-structured interviews to examine the expectations associated with overall trust. We conducted 6 focus groups: 4 with African American older adults and 2 with caregivers of African American older adults with cognitive impairment. We also interviewed 5 African American older adults with cognitive impairment (total n=59). Data were analyzed with content analysis. Five themes emerged: 1) Importance of providing truthful help/information leading to trust; 2) Long relationships leading to trust; 3) Acting efficiently and consistently (e.g., “not fooling around”) leading to trust; 4) Transference of trust (e.g., I can likely trust someone trusted by a trusted person); 5) Difficult to trust because of a harsh social environment. To conclude, trust is a complex belief associated with multiple expectations and relationships. It is critical that researchers understand these expectations related to trust in order to increase recruitment of African American older adults into dementia research.

Abstract TP462: Recruitment of African Americans in Blood Pressure Reduction Trials for Secondary Stroke Prevention

Background and Purpose: Reductions in blood pressure (BP) after stroke are associated with dramatic reductions in stroke risk. African Americans (AA) have higher risk of recurrent stroke than Whites and higher rates of uncontrolled BP after stroke. Prior studies have shown under-representation of minorities in secondary prevention trials. We identified studies of BP control for secondary stroke prevention and explored minority representation in the trials. Methods: Relevant MeSH headings were used to conduct a PubMed search of randomized trials for secondary prevention of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and TIA, focused on BP reduction. We included studies published 1998 to 2018 that included participants from the US. We categorized articles according to timing post stroke, stroke type, intervention type, race/ethnic distribution, and mentioned efforts to increase minority proportions. Results: Of 703 abstracts identified from PubMed, 42 studies were retained, and 8 met criteria after manuscript review. Six were US based and 2 international. All included ischemic stroke and/ or TIA patients. None focused on hemorrhagic stroke. Six trials included behavioral modification as a component of the intervention. Enrollment period ranged from 0 to 180 days post-stroke. For US based studies, 5 reported AA race (race reporting complete for 3 studies). The proportion of AA participants ranged from 8.4% to 41.5% Three studies recruited from diverse populations. There was no specific mention of oversampling of AAs in any trial. Conclusion: Despite strong data to support BP reduction after stroke, there is a lack of US-based studies for secondary stroke prevention. More studies of BP control interventions to test medications and behavioral strategies for secondary stroke prevention in diverse patient populations are urgently needed.

Sistas Taking a Stand for Breast Cancer Research (STAR) Study: A Community-Based Participatory Genetic Research Study to Enhance Participation and Breast Cancer Equity among African American Women in Memphis, TN.

African American women are substantially underrepresented in breast cancer genetic research studies and clinical trials, yet they are more likely to die from breast cancer. Lack of trust in the medical community is a major barrier preventing the successful recruitment of African Americans into research studies. When considering the city of Memphis, TN, where the percentage of African Americans is significantly higher than the national average and it has a high rate of breast cancer mortality inequities among African American women, we evaluated the feasibility of utilizing a community-based participatory (CBPR) approach for recruiting African American women into a breast cancer genetic study, called the Sistas Taking A Stand for Breast Cancer Research (STAR) study. From June 2016 and December 2017, African American women age 18 and above were recruited to provide a 2 mL saliva specimen and complete a health questionnaire. A total of 364 African American women provided a saliva sample and completed the health questionnaire. Greater than 85% agreed to be contacted for future studies. Educational workshops on the importance of participating in cancer genetic research studies, followed by question and answer sessions, were most successful in recruitment. Overall, the participants expressed a strong interest and a willingness to participate in the STAR study. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing a CBPR approach that provides an educational component detailing the importance of participating in cancer genetic research studies and that includes prominent community advocates to build trust within the community.

Recruitment and enrollment of African Americans into health promoting programs: the effects of health promoting programs on cardiovascular disease risk study

ABSTRACT Objectives: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) often employ multiple recruitment methods to attract participants, however, special care must be taken to be inclusive of under-represented populations. We examine how recruiting from an existing observational study affected the recruitment of African Americans into a RCT that included yoga-based interventions. In particular, we report the recruitment success of The Effects of Health Promoting Programs (HPP) on Cardiovascular Disease Risk (NCT02019953), the first yoga-based clinical trial to focus only on African Americans. Design: To recruit participants, a multifaceted recruitment strategy was implemented exclusively in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) cohort. The HPP recruited from the JHS cohort using direct mailings, signs and flyers placed around JHS study facilities, and through JHS annual follow-up interviews. Results: Enrollment into HPP was open to all active JHS participants that were eligible to return for the third clinic exam (n = 4644). The target sample size was 375 JHS participants over a 24 month recruitment and enrollment period. From the active members of the JHS cohort, 503 were pre-screened for eligibility in HPP. More than 90% of those pre-screened were provisionally eligible for the study. The enrollment goal of 375 was completed after a 16-month enrollment period with over 25% (n = 97) of the required sample size enrolling during the second month of recruitment. Conclusions: The findings show that participants in observational studies can be successfully recruited into RCT. Observational studies provide researchers with a well-defined population that may be of interest when designing clinical trials. This is particularly useful in the recruitment of a high-risk, traditionally underrepresented populations for non-pharmacological clinical trials where traditional recruitment methods may prolong enrollment periods and extend study budgets.

Engaging African Americans in Research: The Recruiter's Perspective.

To examine barriers recruiters encounter when enrolling African American study participants, identify motivating factors to increase research participation, and provide recommendations to facilitate successful minority recruitment. Recruiters are often the first point of contact between the research study and potential African American participants. While challenges in enrolling African Americans into clinical and epidemiologic research has been reported in numerous studies the non-physician recruiter's role as a determinant of overall participation rates has received minimal attention. We conducted four 90-minute teleconference focus groups with 18 recruiters experienced in enrolling African Americans for clinical and epidemiologic studies at five academic/medical institutions. Participants represented diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and were asked to reflecton barriers preventing African Americans from participating in research studies,factors that motivated participation, and recommendations to increase participation of African Americans in research. Multi-coder and thematic data analysis was implemented using the Braun and Clarke method. Prominent concerns in recruitment of African Americans in research include fear and mistrust and inflexible research protocols. The participants suggest that improved recruitment could be achieved through cross-cultural and skillset building training opportunities for recruiters, greater community engagement among researchers, and better engagement with clinic staff and research teams.

A community-academic partnership to explore informational needs of African American women as a primer for cancer clinical trial recruitment

ABSTRACTBackground: African Americans (AAs) are less likely to participate in cancer clinical trials (CCTs) despite experiencing disproportionately higher rates of cancer mortality. As a way to address these ongoing disparities, this study sought to qualitatively explore informational needs regarding CCTs among AA women and identify message considerations for educational information targeting AA women and their community.Methods: Three focus groups were conducted in which AA women viewed a DVD created as a decisional tool for CCT participation and provided feedback regarding content.Results: Results indicated general fear regarding CCTs, which is partially attributable to the impact of historic research abuses, lack of information regarding CCTs, and lack of cultural relevance of the education and outreach materials for AA communities. Recruitment of AAs to CCTs may be enhanced by educational and outreach approaches that increase awareness of CCTs as well as involvement of the AA community in developing such interventions.Conclusion: Interventions should include the perspectives of AA women, as key stakeholders and decision-makers for their family and provide research information in a multimedia format that will facilitate family discussion and decision-making regarding CCTs.

Successful strategies for recruitment of african americans into clinical studies

Successful strategies for recruitment of african americans into clinical studies

Overcoming the Challenges of African-American Recruitment In Health Sciences Research: Strategies and Recommendations

Overcoming the Challenges of African-American Recruitment In Health Sciences Research: Strategies and Recommendations