Factors affecting research participation in African American college students

African American participation in research trials must increase. This study evaluates factors affecting participation of African American college students in medical research.

A total of 200 students attending South Carolina State University (SCSU), a historically black college, completed surveys evaluating the likelihood of participation within 6 months in three types of noninvasive research studies (surveys with or without questions regarding sensitive information and collection of DNA with a buccal swab). Likelihood of participation by investigator's race (African American, white, Asian) or institution (SCSU, historically black college, predominantly white college, government) was compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Logistic regressions evaluating likelihood of participation included gender, Trust in Medical Researchers Scale score, prior participation, and family/friend participation.

Fewer respondents would participate in a survey asking about sensitive information than would provide DNA. Respondents were more likely to participate in a study if conducted by a historically black college or African American investigator. Respondents with more trust and without prior participation were more likely to participate. Just more than half of respondents (52.0%) stated that their physician's encouragement would increase their likelihood of participation.

Collaboration with African American investigators, historically black colleges, and community physicians may improve African American participation. Trust in researchers and participant's past research experience should also be considered.