Abstract 2242: Clinical trials knowledge among Hispanic/Latino gastrointestinal cancer survivors in Puerto Rico
Authors: Centeno-Girona Hilmaris , Soto-Salgado Marievelisse , Bournigal-Feliciano Mariela , Contreras-Fernández Sofia F. , Torres-Mojica Karina , Williams Victoria , Sutton Arnethea L. , Tossas Katherine , Winn Robert , Cruz-Correa Marcia R. 
Published: March 2024

The discovery of innovative cancer prevention and treatment approaches relies on voluntary participation in clinical trials (CTs); however, participation remains low among minorities/ethnic groups. Knowledge of CTs has been reported as a barrier to CT participation. Yet, there is limited understanding regarding CTs knowledge and participation among gastrointestinal (GI) cancer survivors in Puerto Rico (PR). Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in PR, accounting for 13% among men and women. We aimed to describe the knowledge and factors associated with cancer-related CTs among Hispanic/Latino GI cancer survivors in PR. We analyzed preliminary data from an ongoing cross-sectional study targeting Hispanic/Latino GI cancer survivors aged 21+ years in PR. The study employed an interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess participants' awareness, knowledge, and participation in cancer-related CTs, and the social determinants of health (SDoH) associated with CT participation. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population. Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were used accordingly to assess significance. A generalized linear model was used to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for significant variables. As of November 9, 2023, 59 Hispanic/Latino GI cancer survivors had completed the questionnaire. Women accounted for 56% of the sample, and the median age of study participants was 65 years (IQR: 19). Racial identity among participants was primarily white (63%), followed by other races (18%) and African-American (18%). Most participants were in complete or partial remission from cancer (83%). A significant proportion of the respondents reported having at least 12th grade (81%) and an annual income of $20,000 or higher (67%). Most participants (76%) accurately identified the correct definition of a CT. Participants with 12th grade or more had 1.5 (95% CI:1.1-1.9) times the possibility to correctly identify the CT definition compared to to those with less than 12th grade. Similarly, respondents with an annual income equal or higher than $20,000 had 1.4 (95% CI:1.1-1.8) times the possibility to correctly identify the CT definition compared to their counterpart. Furthermore, 93.2% of respondents had a score of at least 80% of correct responses regarding their knowledge of CTs. Although nearly 100% of the respondents knew about CTs, only 20% had participated. Despite a high level of knowledge regarding CTs in PR, a significant gap remains between knowledge and participation. Factors such as education and income might play a role in understanding the CT definition. However, the barriers preventing participation, including SDoH need further exploration. Enhancing participation among Hispanic/Latino GI cancer survivors in PR is essential for advancing cancer research and improving outcomes for this at-risk population.

Citation Format: Hilmaris Centeno-Girona, Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, Mariela Bournigal-Feliciano, Sofia F. Contreras-Fernández, Karina Torres-Mojica, Victoria Williams, Arnethea L. Sutton, Katherine Tossas, Robert Winn, Marcia R. Cruz-Correa. Clinical trials knowledge among Hispanic/Latino gastrointestinal cancer survivors in Puerto Rico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2242.