Attitudes towards health research participation: a qualitative study of US Arabs and Chaldeans. (17th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Campbell-Voytal, Kimberly D; Schwartz, Kendra L; Hamade, Hiam; Dallo, Florence J; Neale, Anne Victoria
• Is Part Of: Family practice. Volume 36:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 325
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2018-09-17
• Subjects: Culture and disease/cross-cultural issues -- health promotion -- immigrant health -- primary care -- public health; Primary care (Medicine) -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmy071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2136

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The Arab Muslim and Chaldean Christian American community is unified by language but culturally diverse. Researchers are challenged to engage the Arab/Chaldean community to meet immigrant health needs. Arabs/Chaldeans are identified as white in clinical data sets making it difficult to identify health behaviours and patterns unique to the community. Objectives: To explore the views of members of the Arab/Chaldean community, including researchers and the lay public, regarding health research participation and the role of clinicians, researchers and community leaders in the research process. Methods: A qualitative study of Arab and Chaldean adults and researchers conducted in a US community with a large Arab/Chaldean population. Five semi-structured focus group discussions were triangulated with five in-depth semi-structured interviews with Arab or Chaldean primary care researchers. Responses were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and thematically analysed, and findings confirmed with community representatives. Results: Three themes were identified: (i) research expectations: risks and benefits; (ii) health care environment: clinicians as recruiters and (iii) research participations: risks and benefits. Themes captured concerns with social relationships, reputation or trust and the cost and benefit of research participation. In the Arab/Chaldean community, institutional and political fears and distrust are amplified. Respect for physicians, teachers and faith leaders connected with or recruiting for studies enhances likelihood of research participation. Conclusion: Clinical researchers should address the cultural and immigration histories of Arab/Chaldean research participants. Studies that maximize trust will minimize participation bias and lay the groundwork for improved health. Institutional, sociocultural and personal factors require a pre-study phase to engage and educate participants.