Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2025

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Mexican Americans Participate in Research More than Expected while non-Hispanic Whites Participate Less than Expected
Objective:
To identify Hispanic/Latinx and non Hispanic White participation rates in a community-based project using door-to-door recruitment.
Methods:
We conducted a two-stage area probability sample of housing units in Nueces County, Texas, using Census data including Mexican Americans (MAs) and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). From May 2018-February 2020, residents over 64 were asked to take a cognitive screen. We compared expected and observed ethnic-specific participation.
Results:
Nearly a thousand (996) participants enrolled. Accounting for sampling error, the observed count of MAs (n=609) significantly exceeded expectations ([inline-graphic 01], [95% CI: 521,542]). The observed count of NHWs (n=387) was less than expected ([inline-graphic 02], [95% CI: 455, 473]. The sub-group with the largest difference in observed vs. expected participants was MA women, n=376 observed, 306 (95% CI: 300, 312) expected.
Conclusions:
Mexican Americans were significantly more likely to participate than expected, challenging the notion that ethnic minority populations are less likely to agree to research.
Related Concept Videos
Surveys
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Longitudinal Research
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Regression Toward the Mean
Group Design

