Socioeconomic determinants associated with willingness to participate in medical research among a diverse population

Introduction: Although it is federally-mandated that racial/ethnic minorities be included in research studies, recruiting diverse populations remains a challenge. This is particularly difficult when research involves children. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes and beliefs toward medical research among a racially and socioeconomically diverse population of parents of school children. Methods: A cross-sectional parent-report survey was conducted in New York City public elementary schools using stratified random selection to obtain a diverse population. Fear of medical research and likelihood to participate in medical research were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Differences in fear/likelihood to participate in research across race/ethnicity and socioeconomic characteristics were evaluated. Results: In general, parents were afraid of their child "being treated as a guinea pig", but were willing to allow their child to participate in research if asked by their own doctor. Factors associated with a lower score on fear toward research were; primary language other than English (OR = 0.59), access to an interpreter (OR = 0.73) and access to medical service within a day (OR = 0.51). Latinos had the highest fear score (OR = 1.87) compared to Whites. Asians were the ethnic group most likely to participate in research (OR = 1.71). Low education level (OR = 2.18) and public health insurance (OR = 1.37) were associated with a higher score for likelihood of allowing one's child to participate in medical research. Conclusion: Minority parents reported more fear of allowing their children to participate in medical research, but were as likely to consent their children's participation, especially if asked by their own physician.