Abstract
e18573
Background: Despite the use of clinical trials to provide gold-standard evidence of treatment and intervention effectiveness, racial/ethnic minorities are frequently underrepresented participants. Our objective was to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in knowledge and attitudes towards clinical trials among adults in the U.S. Methods: We leveraged Health Informational National Trends Survey (HINTS) data, which is a weighted, nationally representative survey of 3865 adults (≥18 years). Data were collected between February-June 2020, and included age, race/ethnicity, sex, cancer history, and comorbidities. Participants were asked questions focused on clinical trials, including their knowledge, influential factors to participate, trusted sources of information, and if they were ever invited or participated in a clinical trial. Among adults who self-reported to have heard of clinical trials (n = 2366), we used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in self-reported invitation and participation in clinical trials after adjustment for cancer history, age, sex, comorbidities, and insurance status. Results: Overall, the sample included 64% non-Hispanic (NH) White, 11% NH-Black, 17% Hispanic, and 5% NH-Asian respondents. Nine percent were cancer survivors. Almost 60% self-reported to at least have some knowledge about clinical trials. When asked about factors that would influence their decision to participate in clinical trials “A lot”, participants across racial groups most frequently chose “I would want to get better” and “If the standard care was not covered by my insurance.” Cancer survivors also frequently reported their decision would be influenced “A lot” or “Somewhat” if “My doctor encouraged me to participate.” NH-White (76%), NH-Black (78%), and Hispanic (77%) cancer survivors reported their trusted source of information about clinical trials was their health care provider; NH-Asian cancer survivors reported their health care provider (51%) as well as government health agencies (30%). Compared to NH-White adults, NH-Black adults were more likely to be invited to participate in a clinical trial (OR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.53-4.43). However, compared to NH-White adults, our data suggest NH-Black adults were less likely to participate in the clinical trial (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.39-1.49) although not statistically significant. Compared to NH-White adults, NH-Asian adults were less likely to participate in clinical trials (OR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.06-0.18). Conclusions: Health care providers are a trusted source of clinical trial information. Although NH-Black adults are more likely to be invited, they are less likely to participate in a clinical trial; as well as Asian adults. Efforts to leverage insights gained on factors of influence and sources of trusted information on clinical trials should be prioritized.
