title: Community needs, concerns, and perceptions about health research: findings from the clinical and translational science award sentinel network.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We used results generated from the first study of the National Institutes of Health Sentinel Network to understand health concerns and perceptions of research among underrepresented groups such as women, the elderly, racial/ethnic groups, and rural populations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Investigators at 5 Sentinel Network sites and 2 community-focused national organizations developed a common assessment tool used by community health workers to assess research perceptions, health concerns, and conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 5979 individuals assessed, the top 5 health concerns were hypertension, diabetes, cancer, weight, and heart problems; hypertension was the most common self-reported condition. Levels of interest in research participation ranged from 70.1% among those in the "other" racial/ethnic category to 91.0% among African Americans. Overall, African Americans were more likely than members of other racial/ethnic groups to be interested in studies requiring blood samples (82.6%), genetic samples (76.9%), or medical records (77.2%); staying overnight in a hospital (70.5%); and use of medical equipment (75.4%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Top health concerns were consistent across geographic areas. African Americans reported more willingness to participate in research even if it required blood samples or genetic testing.
authors: College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. lbcottler@ufl.edu
authors: Linda B
authors: LB
authors: Cottler
authors: Donna Jo
authors: DJ
authors: McCloskey
authors: Sergio
authors: S
authors: Aguilar-Gaxiola
authors: Nancy M
authors: NM
authors: Bennett
authors: Hal
authors: H
authors: Strelnick
authors: Molly
authors: M
authors: Dwyer-White
authors: Deborah E
authors: DE
authors: Collyar
authors: Shaun
authors: S
authors: Ajinkya
authors: Sarena D
authors: SD
authors: Seifer
authors: Catina Callahan
authors: CC
authors: O'Leary
authors: Catherine W
authors: CW
authors: Striley
authors: Bradley
authors: B
authors: Evanoff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003256:Community Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult