545-P: Ethnic Variations in Willingness to Participate in Diabetes-Related Health Research

Introduction & Objective: In the US, there is a clear disparity in ethnically diverse participation in health research due to historical and social contexts. Our objective was to analyze the willingness of ethnically diverse adults to participate in health research within the Florida Statewide Register for Aging Studies (FSRAS).

Methods: A structured survey of 164 ethnically diverse adults who listed diabetes as a top three health concern, drawn from the FSRAS, captured the degree of willingness to engage in various health research modalities. The survey stratified responses by ethnicity, including Black Hispanic, Black Non-Hispanic, Caribbean, and White Hispanic groups. Statistical measures of central tendency and dispersion characterized the level of interest in participation.

Results: The study uncovered a complex landscape of willingness to participate in diabetes-related research. Caribbean adults demonstrated the most robust engagement, with nearly 59% indicating "Definitely" or "Maybe" to participating (n=197 for both responses). White Hispanic individuals showed a similar trend (n=187 for "Definitely" or "Maybe"). In contrast, Black Non-Hispanic adults exhibited the highest levels of reluctance, with 63% choosing "Maybe Not" or "Definitely Not" (n=199 for both responses). Black Hispanics mirrored this hesitancy (n=198 for "Maybe Not" or "Definitely Not").

Conclusion: Willingness to participate in diabetes-related research varied by ethnicity within the Black race with Caribbean adults being most willing and Black non-Hispanic adults the least willing. White Hispanics were more likely than Black Hispanics to participate. The study underscores the necessity for multifaceted, culturally competent engagement strategies that are grounded in the understanding of ethnicity-specific concerns and historical contexts. Enhancing trust and participation through such tailored approaches could lead to more inclusive health research engagement.