Journal of Clinical Trials
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-0870
ISSN: 2167-0870
Paula M Frew, Jay Schamel, Kelli O�Connell and Heidi Gruhler
ScientificTracks Abstracts-Workshop: J Clin Trials
Under representation of older African Americans is a serious problem in clinical research. We evaluated how a faith-based
educational intervention influenced clinical trial participation among 221 subjects aged 50 to 95 years recruited from six
Atlanta Black churches. Nearly half (n=112) were assigned to the intervention, comprising three educational discussion sessions
about clinical trials; comparison participants (n=109) completed surveys. Both groups received ongoing notifications about
clinical trials seeking participants. Using mixed methods research approaches; we explored participants intentions to seek clinical
trials information and tracked their subsequent clinical trial enrollment. Qualitative interviews revealed participants’ interest
in learning about clinical studies and their enthusiasm for the program. Yet, multivariable linear mixed models showed that
participation was not significantly associated with overall increased levels of two intention measurements. Among intervention
group participants however, intention to seek information about trials increased significantly by 3 months (mean difference=1.98,
p<0.05) and at 6 months (mean difference=1.49, p<0.05). Younger age was associated with increased intention to seek information
at 3 months (p<0.01) and 6 months (p<0.01) and with increased intention to join trials at 3 months (p<0.001) and 6 months
(p<0.05). Qualitative data revealed participants’ enthusiasm about the intervention program including its accessibility and health
disparities focus. Intervention participants’ reported increased intentions to seek information about and join clinical trials, though
this increase was not significantly associated with the intervention itself. Overall, we found those who were younger (example ≤70
years) expressed greater interest in trial participation and experienced greater treatment effect on intention to join trials.
Paula M Frew is an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Public Health (Behavioral Sciences and Health Education) at the Emory University
School of Medicine and at the Emory Rollins School of Public Health. She is also a Health Scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (National
Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases). She has published more than 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals and is a highly respected expert in
community engagement with clinical research, lectures on health disparities in clinical research and she is the recipient of several national awards in clinical
research, community engagement and public health.