title: Mexican-American perspectives on participation in clinical trials: A qualitative study.
abstract: Clinical trials are essential to advancing knowledge to reduce disease morbidity and mortality; however, ethnic and racial minorities remain under-represented in those studies. We explored knowledge and perceptions of clinical trials among Mexican-Americans in Texas. We conducted focus groups (N = 128) stratified by gender, language preference, and geographical location. This paper presents four emergent, primary themes: 1) knowledge and understanding of clinical trials, 2) fears and concerns about participating, 3) perceived benefits of participating, and 4) incentives to participate. Results suggest that lack of knowledge and understanding of clinical trials leads to misunderstanding about research, including fears and lack of trust. Participants indicated that fears related to perceived experimentation, harm, immigration status, and lack of clinical trial opportunities within their communities were barriers to participation. On the other hand, free healthcare access, helping family members in the future, and monetary incentives could facilitate participation. We also found differences across themes by language, gender, and place of residence. Findings from our study could inform the development of interventions to enhance recruitment of Mexican-American participants into clinical trials.
authors: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Mariana
authors: M
authors: Arevalo
authors: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Natalia I
authors: NI
authors: Heredia
authors: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Krasny
authors: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Maria L
authors: ML
authors: Rangel
authors: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Leticia A
authors: LA
authors: Gatus
authors: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Health Disparities Research, 1400 Pressler St., Houston, TX 77030-3906, USA.
authors: Lorna H
authors: LH
authors: McNeill
authors: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Maria E
authors: ME
authors: Fernandez
keywords: Gender; Geographical location; Hispanic; Language; Latino; Therapeutic misconception