Issues in Biomedical Research: What Do Hispanics Think?

Abstract

Objective To examine barriers and facilitators of biomedical research participation among Hispanics in a rural community in Washington State. Methods Questionnaires addressed socio-demographics, health care access, and barriers and facilitators of participation in biomedical studies. This is a descriptive analysis of the findings. Results Barriers include the need to care for family members (82%), fear of having to pay for research treatments (74%), cultural beliefs (65%), lack of time (75%) and trust (71%), and the degree of hassle (73%). Facilitators include having a friend/relative with the disease being researched (80%) and monetary compensation (73%). Conclusion Researchers should be mindful of these facilitators and barriers when recruiting for biomedical research studies.

Latino Beliefs About Biomedical Research Participation

“…In contrast to previous studies (Davis, Bynum, Katz, Buchanan, & Green, 2012; Ulrich et al, 2013) a limited number of participants noted a lack of access to participation opportunities, simply “not being asked”, or a lack of trust as additional barriers. Interpretation of these particular findings, however, should be done with caution as some of the perceptions about community members’ level of motivation, interest in health-related information, and level of education may be the result of internalized racism as opposed to accurate portrayal of educational or motivational barriers to participation among Latinos in this community.…”

“…Additionally, there is evidence that logistical factors such as lack of transportation, limited access to medical resources, and concern about needing to pay for research services can act as barriers to Latinos’ research participation (Ulrich et al, 2013). Cultural factors have been found to contribute to differential recruitment and retention of minority racial and ethnic populations in clinical trials (Eggerth DE & Flynn MA, 2010; Sheppard et al, 2005), but there is limited data on whether cultural factors similarly influence Latinos’ decisions to take part in biomedical research.…”

Enhancing Biospecimen Knowledge Among Health Care Providers and Representatives From Community Organizations

“…(Buchwald et al, 2006) Additionally, several underrepresented groups have demonstrated a fear of participation due to lack of transparency and low comprehension of the informed consent process.(G. Corbie-Smith et al, 1999; Shaw, Robinson, Starks, Burke, & Dillard, 2013; Ulrich et al, 2013)…”

A Diversified Recruitment Approach Incorporating Social Media Leads to Research Participation Among Young Adult-Aged Female Cancer Survivors

“…Other barriers may have included cultural factors, mistrust of researchers, and practical issues such as lack of time, transportation, or childcare. 21,22 We face ongoing challenges in recruitment for the ORT study, which amongst the four studies has the lowest percentage of eligible women participating. One possible reason is perceived study burden: three blood draws and two transvaginal ultrasounds that require timing to the participant's menstrual cycle.…”