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Factors affecting African-American participation in AIDS research
S Sengupta1, R P Strauss, R DeVellis
1Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, California 94105, USA. ssengupta@psg.ucsf.edu
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (1999)
|September 2, 2000
Summary
Distrust significantly deters African Americans from participating in AIDS clinical trials. Addressing these concerns is crucial for improving recruitment and retention in research targeting these communities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Medical Sociology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- African Americans face a disproportionate burden of the AIDS epidemic.
- Underrepresentation of African Americans in AIDS research, especially clinical trials, is a significant issue.
- Understanding factors influencing participation is vital for equitable research inclusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the multidimensional construct of distrust and its impact on willingness to participate in AIDS research among African Americans.
- To identify other key factors influencing participation in AIDS clinical trials, surveys, and educational interventions.
- To inform strategies for enhancing recruitment and retention in AIDS research within African-American communities.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 301 African Americans in Durham, North Carolina.
- In-person interviews, lasting 20-25 minutes, were administered to participants.
- Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze factors affecting research participation.
Main Results:
- Distrust emerged as the strongest negative predictor for willingness to join AIDS clinical trials.
- Distrust did not significantly influence participation in AIDS surveys or educational interventions.
- Altruism, facilitators/barriers, religiosity, and economic group membership were associated with clinical trial participation, while only altruism related to surveys and interventions.
Conclusions:
- Research institution distrust presents a major obstacle to recruiting African Americans for AIDS clinical trials.
- Acknowledging and addressing distrust is essential for developing effective recruitment and retention strategies.
- Improved strategies are needed to ensure adequate representation of African Americans in AIDS clinical trials.