Fostering research collaboration with parents/guardians of marginalized and vulnerable adolescent girls

Strategies are needed to extend the translation of science to targeted individuals who would most benefit from a therapeutic intervention. This is true among vulnerable populations, such as children, who require special attention to the implications of their research participation. Understanding acceptable methods needed to foster cooperative partnerships between researchers and families will serve to promote trust and acceptability of consent. The purpose of this study was to: 1) elucidate parent/guardian fears and concerns regarding providing consent for their daughters to participate in research, and 2) identify strategies to foster mutually beneficial collaborative partnerships. Surveys and focus groups were conducted with 23 parents/guardians to uncover strategies needed to build collaborative partnerships between researchers and parents. Using thematic analysis, qualitative data revealed useful approaches to foster trust and consent. Descriptive statistics describe the sample characteristics. A strong sense of fear of the unknown was prevalent. Participants were concerned about protection of their daughter's data once it was obtained, and requested transparency between the research team and family. To foster consent for research participation, they suggested developing an ongoing dialogue to keep them engaged in the research. Parents/guardians outlined the following strategies to develop trust and promote consent: 1) engage in a personal meeting with the principal investigator, not a research assistant, 2) obtain study access through a password protected website, and 3) provide continual updates on the study process and procedures. Conclusion: Transparency of the research process/team can diminish fear and promote collaboration.