Skip to main content
Article
Needs, Priorities, and Recommendations for Engaging Underrepresented Populations in Clinical Research: A Community Perspective
Journal of Community Health (2017)
  • Jennifer Cunningham-Erves, Meharry Medical College
  • Tilicia L. Mayo-Gamble, Georgia Southern University
  • Alecia Malin-Fair, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Alaina Boyer, National Health Care for the Homeless Council
  • Yvonne Joosten, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Yolanda C. Vaughn, Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance
  • Lisa Sherden, Johns Hopkins Center to Reduce Cancer Disparities
  • Patrick Luther, Nashville CARES
  • Consuelo H. Wilkins, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Abstract
Engaging underrepresented groups in outcomes research is a public health priority for reducing health and health care disparities; yet, engaging these groups is challenging. Failure to involve these underrepresented populations in research further exacerbates these disparities. This article presents the health and research priorities of diverse groups of underrepresented populations in biomedical research, their concerns for participating in research, and strategies to engage them in their healthcare and research studies. Eleven community listening sessions, ranging from 7 to 13 community members each (N = 117), representing racial/ethnic minority, economically disadvantaged (e.g., uninsured), and hearing impaired communities. We used an inductive, qualitative content analysis approach to analyze the data for emerging themes. We identified the following themes: Uncertainties of underrepresented populations regarding research participation; Ineffective communication about research opportunities and research findings; Research on primary care and prevention are priorities for underrepresented populations in research; and Research teams need training in cultural competence and humility. Underrepresented groups provided research priorities, concerns, and strategies to engage them in their healthcare and in research studies. Findings from this study could facilitate improvement of research participation among underrepresented groups, ultimately reducing health disparities and improving quality of life among groups commonly omitted from research recruitment and participation.
Keywords
  • Underrepresented populations,
  • Research studies,
  • Community engagement,
  • Health and healthcare disparities
Disciplines
Publication Date
June, 2017
DOI
10.1007/s10900-016-0279-2
Citation Information
Jennifer Cunningham-Erves, Tilicia L. Mayo-Gamble, Alecia Malin-Fair, Alaina Boyer, et al.. "Needs, Priorities, and Recommendations for Engaging Underrepresented Populations in Clinical Research: A Community Perspective" Journal of Community Health Vol. 42 Iss. 3 (2017) p. 472 - 480 ISSN: 1573-3610
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/tilicia-mayo-gamble/40/