223207 Putting Ourselves under the Microscope: Researchers Examine Their Experiences regarding the Engagement and Recruitment of Underrepresented Minority Populations

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 4:54 PM - 5:06 PM

Craig S. Fryer, DrPH, MPH , Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences & Research Center of Excellence on Minority Health Disparities, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA
Stephen B. Thomas, PhD , Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences & Research Center of Excellence on Minority Health Disparities, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
James Butler III, DrPH, MEd , Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences & Research Center of Excellence on Minority Health Disparities, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Mary A. Garza, PhD, MPH , Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland for Health Equity School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD
Sandra C. Quinn, PhD , Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences & Research Center of Excellence on Minority Health Disparities, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA
BACKGROUND: The underrepresentation of minority populations in public health and biomedical research has been well documented. Increasing minority participation in research is one critical component of eliminating health disparities. Yet, the scientific community lacks consensus about the methods and procedures needed to respectfully engage minority communities into research. METHODS: We conducted in-depth, semi-structured, qualitative, telephone interviews (N=30) with a diverse group of principal investigators who have experience in engaging minority populations in various types of research studies. The goal was to examine the pertinent aspects associated with the researcher's experience in building trusting relationships and collaborations with minority communities. RESULTS: This presentation will highlight essential factors from the investigators' perspective regarding their experiences in the recruitment of underrepresented minority communities into research, including, but not limited to: 1) public perceptions and attitudes toward the scientific community and health professionals; 2) the role of historical mistrust in building partnerships with minority communities; and 3) the training and capacity of research teams to effectively engage and recruit minority participants into research. CONCLUSION: Lessons learned from the interviews will be analyzed within a conceptual framework of community input into the research process and included in a comprehensive compendium of best practices regarding the effective recruitment and retention of minority participants into research.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Ethics, professional and legal requirements
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health or related education
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, each participant will be able to: 1)Describe methods used by principal investigators to engage underrepresented minority communities into research; and 2)Articulate two best practices for the respectful engagement of underrepresented minority communities into research.

Keywords: Research Ethics, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a co-investigator on this study and have been conducting health disparities research for the past 14 years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.