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

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.