Evaluating a Community-Partnered Cancer Clinical Trials Pilot Intervention with African American Communities

Abstract

Objectives Cancer Clinical Trial (CCT) accrual and retention rates remain disproportionately low among African Americans. Awareness and access to trials are crucial facilitators of trial participation. Strategies developed within a community-based participatory framework (CBPR) are potential solutions to increase awareness and access to CCTs. In this study, we describe the pilot phase of three innovative community-centered modules to improve basic CCT knowledge, awareness of locations to access CCT information, and opportunities to participate in CCTs. Design Four community organizations completed Community Bridges to CCTs training-of-the trainer and recruited adult African American volunteers to participate in one of three CCT education modules: a workshop about CCTs; a role-play describing one person's experience with CCTs; or a call and response session reviewing myths and facts about CCTs. Pre- and post-test surveys were collected and analyzed using McNemar agreement statistic to evaluate changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding trials. Results Trainers enrolled 125 participants in the Call and Response (n=22), Role-play (n=60), and Workshop (n=43) modules. Module participants were mostly African American, female, and mean age of 53 years. Comparison of pre and post-test responses demonstrates favorable changes in awareness of CCTs and where to access to CCTs across the sample. Analysis by module type indicates significant increases for participants in the Call and Response (p < 0.01) and Role-Play modules (p < 0.001), but not the Workshop module. Conclusion Despite measures taken to increase the participation and retention rate of African Americans in clinical trials, little advancement has been made. Developing tailored community education modules on CCTs within the CBPR framework is a promising innovation to increase knowledge about CCTs and favorable attitudes about participation that are known precursors to trial enrollment.

Applying a Conceptual Framework to Maximize the Participation of Diverse Populations in Cancer Clinical Trials

“…Based on the model, awareness barriers can include limited information about cancer and lack of awareness or knowledge of clinical trials (Green et al, 2015; Haynes-Maslow et al, 2014; Leiter, Diefenbach, Doucette, Oh, & Galsky, 2015). These factors could be major contributors to lower participation rates in cancer clinical trials among racially and ethnically diverse populations.…”

Sistas Inspiring Sistas Through Activity and Support (SISTAS): Study Design and Demographics of Participants

“…The SISTAS Research Study -Bevel et al for high-risk populations, such as AA women, have been shown to reduce obesity and adverse health outcomes associated with added weight. 38 Most cancer-based CBPR interventions focus on screening for cancer to combat health disparities, 39,40 promotion of general overall health, 41 or participation rates among AAs. 42 The SISTAS trial is unique for several reasons.…”

Willingness to participate in research among black patients with liver disease: A national cross‐sectional study

“…Participants in the current study echoed similar recommendations. Another study found role‐playing and call‐and‐response sessions aimed at dispelling myths and providing facts about clinical research were educational interventions that increased favourable attitudes about clinical research and WTP 46 . Community engagement activities could build capacity related to knowledge of scientific methods and study designs, so once research opportunities present themselves, people feel more knowledgeable and confident to make an informed decision.…”