Prospective predictors of actual research participation among African-American adults

Aim Although several variables appear to be associated with reluctance of African Americans to participate in research, most research on this topic has utilized hypothetical study scenarios, and there is a need for empirical studies of factors that predict actual study participation. The purpose of the present paper was to assess five potential predictors of participation in an actual study of psychological stress and health. Subjects and methods African American adults ( n = 236) completed the Barriers to Research Participation Questionnaire (BRPQ), which assesses attitudes toward research participation, and indicated whether they were willing to be contacted for involvement in a study of psychological stress and health. Results Respondents who declined to be contacted for further involvement ( n = 191) scored significantly lower (less willingness/greater barriers) on the overall BRPQ, and on the health beliefs/fears, role overload/time demands, and perceived benefits subscales than respondents who were enrolled in the study ( n = 45). Conclusion Investigators might enhance enrollment of African American adults by ameliorating health-related fears, increasing accessibility, or communicating benefits of the research.