266607 Perceptions and barriers to clinical trials participation among African-American men and women in a faith-based community in the south

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Otis Owens, MPH , Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Dawnyea Jackson, PhD candidate , Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Tracey Thomas, MA, MS , Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Daniela B. Friedman, Msc, PhD , Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
James R. Hebert, ScD , Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
BACKGROUND: African Americans (AAs) are more likely to die from cancer than all other racial groups. However, AAs represent less than 10% of participants in cancer-related clinical trials (CTs). Prior research has demonstrated provider, patient, and system level barriers to CT participation. The majority of this research, however, has been conducted with AA women. Our goal was to assess current knowledge about and participation in CTs; attitudes about CTs; barriers and incentives for CT participation; and preferred methods for receiving information about CTs among AAs in a faith-based community. METHODS: Twenty-two 90-minute focus groups were conducted with 81 AA men and women (ages 51.2 + 11.12). Transcripts were organized and themes were identified through a master codebook. RESULTS: Participants had limited awareness and knowledge of CTs. The majority had not participated in or discussed CTs with their doctors. However, most participants reported being comfortable having such discussions with their doctor. The most commonly reported barrier to participation was schedule fit, followed by transportation, distrust, and complicated informed consent. Motivations to participating included monetary incentives, research benefiting a friend/family member, and “free” health care. The most frequently recommended places for CT advertisements were television, radio, and newspaper. CONCLUSIONS: CTs targeting AAs should use clear and culturally-appropriate strategies to increase individuals' awareness about CTs and the benefits of cancer research. Strategies may include using traditional communication mediums to inform AAs about the ways CTs benefit their community. Additionally, researchers should make accommodations to help AAs overcome barriers to CT participation.

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Identify barriers that prevent AAs from participating in cancer research and clinical trials. Discuss AAs’ current attitudes and knowledge about CTs and incentives that will motivate them to participate in research.

Keywords: Clinical Trials, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Currently I serve as Co-Principal Investigator of the CDC and NCI-funded South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (SC-CPCRN), and Pilot Project Leader and Co-Investigator for the NCI-funded South Carolina Cancer Disparities Community Network-II (SCCDCN-II). I am Mr. Otis L. (Shaun) Owens’ primary advisor in his doctoral program and also serve as project coordinator of the research from which this data was produced.
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.