Evidence-Based Strategies to Increase Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Clinical Trials of Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias (ADRD)Rosenberg, Samantha (2024) Evidence-Based Strategies to Increase Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Clinical Trials of Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias (ADRD). Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
AbstractPublic Health Significance: Given the rapidly aging and diversifying U.S. population, prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is projected to increase substantially in the coming decades. This demographic shift, coupled with persistent inequities in resource access and ongoing structural racism, is likely to exacerbate existing health disparities in ADRD burden for communities of color unless substantive systemic changes are implemented. Background & Objectives: Despite the disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minorities, these groups remain consistently underrepresented in ADRD research trials. Addressing this gap requires evidence-based recruitment strategies to enhance research participation among these populations. The overall goal of this essay was to identify such strategies; first through a review of the existing literature, and second in a secondary analysis of recruitment data from an ongoing ADRD trial. Methods: A comprehensive literature review explored research participation prevalence among racial and ethnic minorities, factors influencing participation, and effective recruitment strategies or interventions. The secondary analysis examined recruitment data from an ongoing ADRD trial for older Black adults to evaluate the efficacy of various recruitment approaches. Results: Results from the critical literature synthesis found several effective recruitment strategies including community-oriented outreach, diverse research team composition, word-of- mouth referrals, and monetary compensation. Results from the secondary data analysis corroborated community outreach as an effective method for recruiting and retaining Black/African American older adults, while also highlighting the considerable financial investments required for such activities. Implications: Future ADRD research trials should carefully select recruitment strategies based on study objectives and resource constraints. Prioritizing community outreach for participant recruitment is essential, while also balancing cost-effective alternatives such as traditional advertising. Overall, this essay found that recruitment science, in the context of ADRD research, is still in its early stages. Further research, in addition to meaningful engagement with community stakeholders, remains imperative to determine the most effective recruitment strategies. Institutional-level policies and initiatives play a pivotal role in disseminating valuable resources to researchers and monitoring clinical trial diversity over time. Share
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