Racial and ethnic minorities are significantly underrepresented in clinical research trials. Several socio-cultural and systemic barriers, ranging from discrimination by the health care system, medical mistrust, to low physician referral rates and lack of knowledge of research studies have been identified as impacting participation. One hundred and fifteen participants were culturally matched and were interviewed followed by up to an additional four interviews over a 12 month period. Responses were analyzed to understand the perceived benefits to participating in a prospective, randomized, longitudinal clinical research trial about screening colonoscopy. Over two-thirds (64.4%) of participants reported “knowledge, awareness, and/or information about colonoscopy and general health” as being the greatest benefit they received. Desire to undergo the screening and the pride of completing the study was ranked second and third, respectively. Understanding the reasons that participants choose to participate in research studies will ultimately assist researchers close the gap in minority representation, allowing for greater generaliz-ability of research findings.
This paper seeks to examine differences in sociodemographic characteristics and culturally-relevant psychosocial and interpersonal factors across four sub-groups of immigrant Latinas, and how these factors are associated with adherence to age-specific breast and cervical cancer screening. Data come from a baseline survey using an electronic audience response system from a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a cancer screening program in New York and Arkansas (n=1,548). Mexican women were least likely to be adherent to cancer screening tests (clinical breast exam, mammogram, or Pap test). Mexican women also differed from the other sub-groups in terms of sociodemographics, barriers, and interactions within the health care system. Correlates of screening adherence differed by country of origin, with the exception of spouse/partner attendance at the program, which was negatively associated with adherence across several sub-groups. Findings provide important information about Latina sub-group variability that can help inform the development of breast and cervical cancer screening interventions.
As the largest and most diverse ethnic minority population in the U.S., it is important to examine differences in and correlates of Pap test adherence among Hispanics by country of origin. The data for these analyses are baseline responses from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted among Hispanic immigrant women who identified as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, or Central/South American (n = 1,305). There were significant differences in Pap test adherence: Dominicans (81.6%), Mexicans (77.5%), Central/South Americans (71.2%), and Puerto Ricans (69.3%). In multivariable analyses, there were different correlates of Pap test adherence for each country of origin. For example, marriage status (P = .0001) and younger age (P = .006) were positively associated with adherence among Mexican women. This research provides insight into the variability that exists among Hispanics and can help improve understanding of important determinants that may influence Pap test screening among diverse Hispanics.
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