Understanding the African American Research Experience (KAARE)

Abstract

SUMMARYDespite recognition that the African American population is underrepresented in studies of health and mental health treatment and prevention efforts, few investigations have systematically examined barriers to African American research participation. Without their participation, treatment and prevention strategies designed to curtail the spread of HIV in their communities will be bound to achieve less than optimal outcomes. Based on the assumption that successful recruitment of African Americans requires knowledge of (a) their beliefs about research, (b) their perceptions of the research process and researchers, (c) their motivations to participate, and (d) the historical and social factors that may be the source of at least some ambivalence, the current study undertook semi-structured interviews with 157 African American, low-income mothers residing in a large urban community where they and their children were at high risk for HIV. Given the sensitive nature of the research topic, members of the community were trained to conduct the interviews. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the interview content suggest that despite having been consented, many participants (a) are not aware of their rights under informed consent and (b) lack knowledge of how the research will be used. Despite this and the subtle suspicion of White researchers held by some, many decide to participate for altruistic reasons. The implications for recruitment of participants in general and African Americans in particular into HIV prevention studies are discussed as are the implications for service providers directly or indirectly involved in the development and delivery of these interventions. COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The copy law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship or research". Note that in the case of electronic files, "reproduction" may also include forwarding the file by email to a third party. If a user makes a request for, or later uses a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use", that user may be liable for copyright infringement. USC reserves the right to refuse to process a request if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law. By using USC's Integrated Document Delivery (IDD) services you expressly agree to comply with Copyright Law. Research aimed at creating and testing preventative interventions in social work or allied professions depends on the recruitment of participants from the communities and populations for which these interventions are intended. Additionally, ethical conduct of research calls for sensitivity to the needs and circumstances of ethnically diverse populations (Gil and Bob, 1999; Fishe...

HIV Prevention Service Utilization in the Los Angeles House and Ball Communities: Past Experiences and Recommendations for the Future

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Research With African Americans: Lessons Learned About Recruiting African American Women

“…H istorically, African Americans have been underrepresented in research studies in all areas of academic inquiry (Akbar, 1991;Guthrie, 1998;Kerkorian, Traube, & McKay, 2007). Within the field of psychology, in particular, historical evidence has suggested cultural stereotyping (Guthrie, 1998) and a perpetuation of racism and oppression (Jung, 1930) when investigating and interpreting African American behavior.…”

Cultural aspects related to informed consent in health research

“…34 In addition, human subjects have insufficient awareness of their right to withdraw at any stage of the research process. 26,31,38 Individuals choose to participate for altruistic reasons, such as helping other people in society, increasing their knowledge, and saving others' lives. 26,28,29,32,44 Another motivation is if they have family members who are ill. 26,28,34 But human subjects can refuse if they do not see the benefits of the study for themselves or the community.…”