Race-Ethnicity, Rurality, and Age in Prospective Preferences and Concerns Regarding Closed-Loop Implanted Neural...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Neurotechnology
• Public Health and Health Disparities
• Sociology of Technology

Background:

• Human-centered neurotechnology requires understanding public perceptions, especially from underserved populations.
• Existing neurotechnologies often do not adequately serve all communities.
• Public attitudes shape the adoption and ethical development of new medical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate public perceptions of neurotechnology, focusing on demographic differences.
• To compare preferences for implanted neural devices versus traditional treatments (surgery, medication).
• To assess confidence in neurotechnology availability and research inclusivity among diverse groups.

Main Methods:

• A nationally representative survey of 1,047 adults was conducted, oversampling Black non-Hispanic, Hispanic, and rural Americans.
• Two vignettes compared implanted neural devices with surgery (epilepsy) and medication (mood disorders).
• Survey-weighted logistic regression models analyzed demographic, socioeconomic, religious, political, and healthcare access predictors.

Main Results:

• Older adults were more likely to prefer implanted devices.
• Non-Hispanic Black Americans showed less preference for devices compared to White Americans.
• Rural Americans reported lower confidence in access and research inclusivity.
• Income mediated the effects of age and race on device preference and rurality on access confidence.

Conclusions:

• Significant demographic disparities exist in public attitudes toward neurotechnology.
• Concerns about access and research inclusivity are pronounced in Black and rural populations.
• Inclusive neurotechnology development must actively engage and address the needs of underserved communities.