Barriers and Strategies for Research in Arab Americans
- Linda A. Jaber, PHARMD
- From the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
Conducting clinical research in minority populations is challenging. Barriers to participation in research and strategies to overcome these barriers have been described by Fujimoto and other investigators (1–4). These reports and experiences have been invaluable in the planning and execution of a community-based epidemiological study in the Arab-American community. The study to determine the prevalence of diabetes in this largely unstudied minority population had been quite successful and achieved a participation rate of 87%.
It was clear from the beginning that the study’s success was dependent on community endorsement and support. Therefore, a proactive approach to exploring and addressing obstacles to participation was undertaken. We found similarities in issues related to participation in clinical research in this community and other minority populations.
The major barrier to research among community members was the general fear, suspicion, and distrust of large institutions and governmental agencies. Field testing of the consent form and the study questionnaires revealed potential obstacles to participation. The standard disclaimer of the consent form that data obtained were to be disclosed to the Food and Drug Administration and other governmental agencies was considered alarming and needed to be amended. The questionnaires eliciting perceived sensitive information related to religious convictions, sociocultural …
