Citation

Svensson K, Ramírez OF, Peres F, Barnett M, Claudio L. Contemp. Clin. Trials 2012; 33(6): 1197-1205.

Affiliation

Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of International Health, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New York, NY 10029, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.cct.2012.07.014

PMID

22885788

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Although it is federally-mandated that racial/ethnic minorities be included in research studies, recruiting diverse populations remains a challenge. This is particularly difficult when research involves children. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes and beliefs toward medical research among a racially and socioeconomically diverse population of parents of school children. METHODS: A cross-sectional parent-report survey was conducted in New York City public elementary schools using stratified random selection to obtain a diverse population. Fear of medical research and likelihood to participate in medical research were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Differences in fear/likelihood to participate in research across race/ethnicity and socioeconomic characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: In general, parents were afraid of their child "being treated as a guinea pig", but were willing to allow their child to participate in research if asked by their own doctor. Factors associated with a lower score on fear toward research were; primary language other than English (OR=0.59), access to an interpreter (OR=0.73) and access to medical service within a day (OR=0.51). Latinos had the highest fear score (OR=1.87) compared to Whites. Asians were the ethnic group most likely to participate in research (OR=1.71). Low education level (OR=2.18) and public health insurance (OR=1.37) were associated with a higher score for likelihood of allowing one's child to participate in medical research. CONCLUSION: Minority parents reported more fear allowing their children to participate in medical research, but were as likely to consent their children's participation, especially if asked by their own physician.

Language: en