Qualitative analysis of stakeholder perspectives on engaging Latinx patients in kidney-related research

Latinx individuals are disproportionally burdened by kidney diseases compared to non-Latinx White individuals and are underrepresented in kidney-related research. We aimed to describe stakeholder perspectives on Latinx patient engagement in kidney-related research.

We conducted a thematic analysis of two online moderated discussions and an interactive online survey with open-text responses involving participants (i.e. stakeholders), with personal and/or professional experiences with Latinx patients with kidney diseases and their families/caregivers.

Among the eight stakeholders (Female:75%; Latinx ethnicity:88%), there were three physicians, one nurse, one patient with kidney disease who received a kidney transplant, one policy maker, one Doctor of Philosophy, and one executive director of a non-profit health organization. We identified five themes. The majority of themes and their respective subthemes (in parentheses) reflected barriers to engagement: Lack of personal relevance (unable to relate to research staff and marketing resources, and unclear benefit of research to self, family, and community); fear and vulnerability (immigration concerns, stigma with seeking care, skepticism of Western medicine); logistical and financial barriers (limited opportunities to enroll in clinical trials, out-of-pocket costs, transportation issues); and distrust and asymmetry of power (related to limited English proficiency or health literacy, and provider bias). The last theme centered on stimulating interest and establishing trust in the research process.

To overcome barriers to engagement in kidney-related research and establish trust among potential Latinx research participants, stakeholders recommended employing cultural responsiveness and community-based strategies. These strategies can help identify local health priorities, enhance research recruitment and retention strategies, and establish partnerships that continue to elevate research endeavors aiming to enhance the health of Latinx individuals with kidney diseases.