Offering African Americans opportunities to participate in clinical trials research: how social workers can help

Historically, African Americans have resisted participation in clinical trials and other research projects because of distrust of the mostly white research establishment. Although there are legitimate reasons for refusing to join clinical trials, most notably the abuses of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, African Americans may be passing up opportunities to obtain needed medications years before they reach the market. This article analyzes 29 empirical articles from medical and mental health journals for their findings on recruiting and maintaining African Americans in clinical trials. Reasons for declining and accepting opportunities to participate are organized into themes that represent the salient findings of these reports. Suggestions for social work interventions and changes in research designs are intended to make the research process more welcoming to African Americans. Interventions are linked to the themes and incorporate social work ethics and values. The premise of this study is that African Americans should be offered realistic opportunities supported by sufficient resources to increase participation.