Establishing and Affirming Social Connections: Recruiting Non-Hispanic Black Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

The underrepresentation of non-Hispanic Black adults in clinical research impacts the generalizability and usefulness of research findings. The purpose of this article is to discuss recruitment strategies used in a research study examining the self-care of diabetes and diabetes distress in non-Hispanic Black adults with type 2 diabetes. In this cross-sectional correlation study, the participants were non-Hispanic Black adults with type 2 diabetes living in North Carolina. A questionnaire collected sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. This study was analyzed using descriptive statistics. In total, 512 individuals accessed the online survey. After data screening, 275 participants were used for data analysis. Sixteen recruitment sites provided letters of support, and 13 were active in the recruitment process. Most participants learned about the research study via social media. Social connections resulting in recruitment partners and using social media supported the successful recruitment. The recruitment strategies implemented can inform researchers of effective evidence-based recruitment strategies to increase the participation of non-Hispanic Black adults in clinical research.

Self-Care of Diabetes and Diabetes Distress in Non-Hispanic Black Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

“…The study participants were recruited through collaborative partnerships with multiple community-based organizations, including faith-based institutions, social organizations (fraternities and sororities), local business establishments (a hair salon and barbershop), and nurse-practitioner-owned ambulatory medical practices. 30 Recruitment strategies included flyer distribution with a QR code, in-person presentations, a video message embedded in a PowerPoint, virtual platform presentations via Zoom, participation in a recruitment site Bible study, participation in a recruitment site's state conference, and social media postings (FaceBook and Instagram). 30 Adults 18 to 64 years old who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black, African American, or Black; were diagnosed with T2D by a health care provider; and lived in North Carolina were eligible to participate.…”

“…30 Recruitment strategies included flyer distribution with a QR code, in-person presentations, a video message embedded in a PowerPoint, virtual platform presentations via Zoom, participation in a recruitment site Bible study, participation in a recruitment site's state conference, and social media postings (FaceBook and Instagram). 30 Adults 18 to 64 years old who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black, African American, or Black; were diagnosed with T2D by a health care provider; and lived in North Carolina were eligible to participate. Individuals were excluded if they (a) did not read, speak, or understand English; (b) were pregnant; (c) had a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, or other forms of diabetes besides T2D; (d) had a self-reported history of memory or cognitive problems; (e) were on hemodialysis; or (f) received a kidney transplant or had a lower extremity amputation related to diabetes complications.…”