Perceptions of pediatric clinical research among African American and Caucasian parents

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Clinical Trials
• Dermatology Research
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Recruitment of African American adults in clinical trials is challenging.
• Limited data exists on racial disparities in pediatric clinical trial participation.
• Understanding parental perceptions is crucial for improving recruitment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate racial differences in research participation interest among African American and Caucasian parents.
• To identify factors influencing parental willingness to enroll children in pediatric dermatology research.
• To inform strategies for achieving racially representative recruitment goals.

Main Methods:

• Survey administered to 90 African American and Caucasian parents at an academic pediatric dermatology clinic.
• Analysis of responses to 38 survey questions comparing racial groups.
• Statistical analysis to determine significant differences in trust, perceptions, and enrollment inclination.

Main Results:

• Most questions (32/38) yielded similar responses across racial groups.
• Caucasians reported higher trust (84% vs. 65%) and greater research exposure than African Americans.
• African Americans were 3x more likely to fear their child being treated as a 'guinea pig'; Caucasians were more inclined to enroll if referred by a known provider.

Conclusions:

• While trust and prior exposure to research differ racially, these factors alone do not fully explain recruitment disparities.
• Parental willingness to theoretically enroll children in research showed no significant racial difference.
• Addressing specific concerns and leveraging established healthcare relationships may improve recruitment of diverse pediatric populations.