Abstract 977: A Strategy to Increase African American Awareness of Health Research
Authors: Rogers Carmelle D. , Jiru Mintesinot B. , Uddin Md Jamal 
Published: February 2011

Evidence shows that there is a shortage of participation in health research trials and blood donations from African American communities. African Americans may be willing to enter into health research studies; however, African Americans are an underrepresented group in health research studies. Although most clinical trial participants are middle-class Caucasian males, due to genetic differences, having a gene pool that is representative of a range of affected individuals will be instrumental in widening our knowledge of various diseases. For instance, there are racial differences in some cancers such as breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. Thus, African American participation will aid in experimental design of health studies in order to target better evaluation, prevention, and treatment of these cancers and other diseases.

The purpose of this study is to increase the education and awareness of the Black community because of the need for African American participation in health research studies and blood donations. The three components of this study are to survey, educate, and call to action (SEA). The first component includes administering anonymous surveys to aid in the understanding of current perceptions of health research within the Coppin State University (CSU) community. The second component consists of educational seminars that focus on presenting the history of Blacks and their positive and negative experiences with health research. The third component is a call to action such as having the opportunity to donate blood.

The methods and procedures for this study include surveying the CSU community over several questions that focus on a participant's interest in participating in a study, knowledge of health research studies in the past such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, and ideas on what can be done to increase awareness of health research studies in the CSU community. The study population of 500 students, faculty members, and staff members was able to access surveys via an online website or by completing a form at an on campus location and submitting the form to a sealed box.

Preliminary survey results of 59 participants show that 62.7% are interested in donating blood and/or participating in a health research study. In addition, 40.7% were aware of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Several participants suggested increasing media avenues such as pamphlets, workshops, and informational commercials in order to better educate the community.

In conclusion, the SEA program has made an impact on the CSU community in that several members that have attended the seminars have a better knowledge of previous health research studies and are in a position to make better decisions about donating blood and entering into health research studies.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 977.