Educating Hispanics About Clinical Trials and Biobanking

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Hispanics are significantly under-represented in clinical research, limiting their benefit from medical advancements.
• There is a critical need to enhance awareness and address concerns regarding participation in clinical trials and biobanking among Hispanic populations.
• Personalized medicine advancements require diverse participant data for equitable benefit.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt, implement, and evaluate culturally relevant educational materials on clinical trials and biobanking for Hispanic individuals.
• To assess the impact of community health worker-led education on perceptions and intentions related to research participation.
• To address barriers and promote engagement within the Hispanic community for clinical research.

Main Methods:

• Existing educational materials were adapted based on focus group feedback from the target community.
• Four community health workers (promotoras de salud) were trained to deliver educational interventions in Houston, TX.
• Pre- and post-test questionnaires measured changes in perceived benefits, barriers, norms, self-efficacy, and intention to participate in clinical trials and biobanking.

Main Results:

• The intervention successfully increased perceived benefits and self-efficacy for donating biospecimens among participants.
• A notable increase in the intention to participate in biobanking was observed post-intervention.
• Perceived barriers to research participation significantly declined following the educational sessions.
• The study sample was predominantly female (83%), Spanish-speaking (69%), and had low annual income (<$25,000, 87%).

Conclusions:

• Brief, community-based educational interventions can positively shift attitudes and perceptions towards clinical trials and biobanking among Hispanic adults.
• Culturally tailored education delivered by trusted community members can effectively increase willingness to participate in vital research.
• These findings suggest a scalable model for improving Hispanic participation in clinical research and biobanking, thereby reducing health disparities.