News Release

Researcher to address black congressional caucus on ways to increase African Americans in clinical trials

Meeting Announcement

University of Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. -- A University of Georgia researcher's success in recruiting and retaining older African Americans in a dietary intervention trial will be among the projects highlighted in a meeting of the Black Congressional Caucus on Friday, Sept. 15, from 1-5 p.m. at the Henley Place Hotel in Washington, D.C.

By including African Americans in focus groups from the beginning and involving African- American churches throughout the project, researchers Marilyn Hughes and Rebecca M. Mullis, both of whom are with UGA's College of Family and Consumer Sciences were able to keep 95 percent of the 166 participants involved in the 10-week dietary intervention, aimed at reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The $400,000-project was funded by General Mills Corporation.

"While we are interested in the outcomes of clinical trials, a major part of this project was to develop a model for others to use in recruiting and retaining older African Americans in research projects," Hughes explained. "We know that many African Americans are distrustful of clinical trials, particularly those that involve the collection of body fluids such as blood, because of incidents such as the Tuskeegee Trials, where African Americans were not treated for syphilis and subsequently died."

In her initial research, Hughes established focus groups of African Americans, ages 40-70, and asked them what was necessary to get participation in a clinical trial. Based on their comments, she identified churches that had an active health ministry or physical health activitiesfor members and other evidence of addressing community concerns of members, and conducted additional focus groups within those churches.

"We also enlisted the help and support of pastors, nurses and individuals in academic settings who also are involved in their community," Hughes explained.

With the support of the churches' pastors, Hughes publicized the study in church bulletins and newsletters and arranged free health-screening fairs and nutrition consultations for all interested church members. In addition, participants knew their churches would receive a monetary gift in exchange for their involvement. Eventually, more than 400 people were screened for inclusion in the study, with 166 meeting the requirements for participation.

"Perhaps the most important element in retaining our participants was bringing the study to them at their churches when they were there," Hughes said. "We actually brought the phlebotomist to the church on Wednesday or Sunday nights, which meant the participants didn't have to change their routine in order to remain in the study."

In addition, having the study take place at the church also meant participants were able to encourage each other to continue to stay involved, she added.

"People -- those who will ultimately be affected by the outcomes of research -- have an interest in changing the history of how medical research has been done," Hughes said. "We have academic resources, but we need the input of the community to make this research truly successful."

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WRITER: Denise H. Horton, 706/542-8014, dhorton@arches.uga.edu



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