Objectives Women, the elderly, racial/ethnic, and rural populations are underrepresented in research, which leads to findings that are not representative of diverse populations. A “Sentinel Network” of five sites has been implemented to understand health concerns of underrepresented groups, based on the Community Health Worker (CHW) model. Methods Investigators at the five sites (Washington University, U.C. Davis, U. Michigan, U. Rochester, Einstein College of Medicine) and two community-focused national organizations (Community-Campus Partnerships for Health and Patient Advocates in Research), developed a common assessment used by CHWs to elicit information about research perceptions, top health and neighborhood concerns, and health conditions. Results CHWs surveyed 5,979 individuals. Across all sites, while the top five health concerns were hypertension, diabetes, cancer, weight, and heart problems, high blood pressure was the most common self-reported condition. Interest in research participation ranged from 70.1% among those of “other” races to 91.0% among African-Americans. Overall, African Americans were more likely than persons of other race/ethnic groups to be interested in participating in studies that required giving blood samples (82.6%), genetic samples (76.9%), medical records (77.2%), staying overnight in a hospital (70.5%) and using medical equipment (75.4%). Conclusions This study found that 87% of Sentinel Network participants are interested in participating in health research. Top health concerns were consistent across geography. African-Americans reported higher willingness to participate in research even if it requires blood samples or genetic testing.

Background Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with a rising incidence of certain head and neck cancers, and oral sex has been associated with oral HPV. This study sought to identify more specific patterns of oral sexual activity, including self-inoculation, that are associated with oral HPV infections in young women. Methods A total of 1010 women attending a large university completed a computer-based questionnaire and provided oral specimens that were tested for any oral HPV using a Linear Array assay that detects any HPV as well as 37 HPV genotypes. Twenty-seven women provided additional samples up to 12 months after enrollment. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify oral sexual patterns and other risk factors associated with prevalent oral HPV. Results Nineteen women had prevalent oral HPV (1.9%), with 10 women (1%) having a type-specific infection. Oral HPV was significantly associated with lifetime coital sex partnership numbers (P = 0.03), lifetime and yearly oral sex partnership numbers (P < 0.01), and hand and/or sex toy transfer from genitals to mouth (P < 0.001). Oral HPV was also associated with greater use of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and sharing of smoking devices, lipstick, or toothbrushes (P < 0.05 for each), with an apparent dose-response for alcohol use and smoking behavior, stratified by number of sexual partners. Of 7 women with prevalent HPV who provided follow-up samples, none had evidence of a persistent type-specific infection. Conclusions These data provide additional evidence of transmission of oral HPV from oral sexual activity and also suggest possible transmission from self-inoculation or sharing of oral products.