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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Amal Khoury, PhD¹, Nedra Lisovicz, PhD, MPH, CHES², Susan Graham-Kresge, MPH, CHES³, and Amanda Avis-Williams, MPH, CHES³. (1) College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida, PO Box 100195, Gainesville, FL 32610, (2) University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, (3) University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, 601-266-5184, amanda.avis@usm.edu

Background: Clinical trials provide scientific data to advance prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Minority groups have traditionally been underrepresented in clinical trials leading to serious gaps in the evidence base. To promote participation in clinical trials, a better understanding of facilitators and barriers is needed.

Objective: This study identified knowledge and attitudes of African American women in the rural south toward breast cancer clinical trials.

Methods: We conducted six focus groups with underserved African American women 40+ in rural and urban areas of Mississippi. A total of 58 women participated. Discussions were audiotaped, and transcripts were analyzed for cross-cutting issues and themes.

Results: Overall, women lacked knowledge of what a clinical trial “is” or “is not.” Some women believed that clinical trials recruited terminally ill patients only, while others associated trials with “rats” and “guinea pigs.” Some women appeared willing to participate in studies in order to increase their personal knowledge of breast cancer, educate other women, and help find new treatment. Other women were not willing to participate for fear of experimental drugs and length of study. Women identified factors that would promote their participation in trials.

Conclusion: Both community and healthcare system interventions are needed to promote African American women's participation in clinical trials. Community interventions should promote the purpose and benefits of trials and address negative perceptions. Healthcare system interventions should encourage physician referral. In addition, clinical trials could use community members and/or breast cancer survivors who are current or previous research participants to recruit women.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Describe the focus group method for obtaining qualitative in-depth information about participation in clinical trials.
• Identify facilitators and barriers to African American women's participation in breast cancer clinical trials.
• Articulate community and healthcare system interventions to promote African American women's participation in breast cancer clinical trials.

Keywords: Clinical Trials, Breast Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation