Abstract B30: Increasing awareness of health research in the African American community
Authors: Rogers Carmelle D. , Jiru Mintesinot , Uddin Jamal , Roth Tatiana , Adeyeye Jacob 
Published: December 2010

Results from health research studies are important for evaluating, preventing and treating various diseases. African Americans are an underrepresented group in clinical trials and blood donations. Utilizing a gene pool that encompasses a range of affected individuals is instrumental in widening our knowledge of diseases because there are racial differences in some cancers such as those of the breast, ovary, and prostate. Thus, African American participation will aid in experimental design of clinical trials. A lack of trust plays a role in African American underrepresentation. Previous studies suggest researchers can begin to build trust by acknowledging the medical abuses of the past, discussing protection of participants, and explaining the need for minority participation. A major goal 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 SEA program is designed to do this by surveying individuals on their current perceptions of health research, educating them on medical abuses of the past, and calling the community to action. The first component includes administering anonymous surveys to aid in the understanding of current perceptions of health research at Coppin State University (CSU) which has a black population of over 95%. The second component consists of educational seminars that focus on presenting the history of blacks and their negative (such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study) and positive experiences with health research. The third component is a call to action that includes having the opportunity to donate blood or volunteering to educate others. Results show that 29.9% have donated blood and 31.3% are organ donors. 11.6% know of someone in a health study and 43.7% have heard of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Concerning interest, the numbers were similar for those that were interested in donating blood and or participating in a health study. The numbers are 54.9% and 53.7%, respectively. 56% said they would participate in a health study if proper monetary compensation was provided. Areas of the second step, education, have also been implemented via professors and other knowledgeable speakers addressing the issues before students. The third area, action, is taking place through regularly scheduled American Red Cross blood drives. In conclusion, the SEA program has made an impact on the CSU community in that several individuals that have attended the seminars and participated in the survey have a better knowledge of previous health research studies and are in a position to make better decisions about donating blood and entering into clinical trials. Future avenues include enlarging the sample size and comparing findings at CSU with other minority and majority communities to obtain an overall view of ways to educate the public about the need for clinical trial participation and blood and organ donation.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B30.