Susceptibility of Elderly Asian Immigrants to Persuasion With Respect to Participation in Research

Abstract

Familism, respect for authority, and a sense of shame/pride are cultural characteristics that might influence research participation of Asian Americans. We compared 79 elderly Asian immigrants, most of whom immigrated from China or Hong Kong, with 58 elders who were not Asian and mostly not immigrants. Responding to hypothetical situations presented on a self-administered questionnaire, the Asian group professed to be more likely to be influenced by a request from a son/daughter, landlord, physician, or advertisement (p<0.001) and by a monetary incentive (p=0.05). Multivariate adjustment for potential confounders attenuated the strength of these relations, but except in the case of the monetary offer, differences remained statistically significant. Within the Asian group, multivariate logistic regression modeling indicated that years lived in the US was associated with more likelihood of refusing requests to participate in research. We conclude that acculturation or assimilation into American society may build resistance to pressure to participate in research. Our findings also suggest that elderly Asian immigrants may need additional protections to achieve truly informed consent.

How are language barriers bridged in acute hospital care? The tale of two methods of data collection

“…The impact of BROs in addressing issues associated with interviewer bias, social acquiescence, politeness, and respect for authority are uncertain. [31][32][33] While the endorsement by the hospital of the MTS may increase response rates, it could also make patients less willing to express dissatisfaction with services, even though confidentiality and privacy was assured. 34 The validity of the MTS was improved by ensuring constructs were tangible, with BROs commenting on their cross-cultural equivalence.…”

Considerations of Methodological Approaches in the Recruitment and Retention of Immigrant Participants

“…Generally, the experts found recruitment was not unusually difficult even with undocumented immigrants, though retention is more challenging as these individuals typically do not want to be followed or traced over time. However, a study including Asian immigrants found some evidence that, on average, the longer time an immigrant lives in the United States, the less willing he or she may be to participate in surveys [45] possibly as a result of increased acculturation.…”

“…Particularly for immigrants and across racial/ethnic groups, language may play an integral role in building a relationship and obtaining the most accurate data. Good practices for staffing a survey team which include hiring staff who can develop personal relationships with participants who are culturally familiar or Binsiders^also are paramount [34][35][36][37]45]. As one study found, 100 % of their Latino participants reported that program facilitators were an important factor in their decision to continue with the study [36].…”

“…For example, researchers reviewed 78 studies of recruiting underserved populations and concluded the three main motivations for participation are incentives, altruism, and a culturally competent research design [45].…”

Willingness to Participate (WTP) in HIV Vaccine Trials among Itinerant Female Hairdressers in Ibadan, Nigeria

“…Reported inducements have included money and the possibility of enrolment in health insurance schemes [23,25,26]. Although vaccine trials have been largely conducted in urban areas, our results indicate a greater WTP among urban residents.…”