Progress 01/01/04 to 09/30/06
Outputs
This project had three phases. In Phase I three focus groups were conducted to determine the consumer's knowledge of health, perception of health and well-being and the practice of prevention. The information gathered from the focus groups conducted in Phase I was then used in Phase II to develop a questionnaire concerning health practices and consumer research participation. For Phase III, two hard to reach audiences were identified as the focus for the remainder of the project. These included males and Hispanics, both which are underrepresented in health studies. Using an expanded questionnaire, males were interviewed to investigate methods for increasing their participation in health-related studies. The reasons given most often for not participating in health-related studies were not being asked; not taking the time; lack of trust of the organization; not aware of any studies; and needed transportation. Participants were asked to assume that they were waiting in
line to complete an application for some kind of assistance and were approached by someone who wanted to ask them some questions about personal health issues. What would be the likelihood of agreeing to participate? Thirty-two percent of the respondents stated that they would participate in this study, however before participating, the majority of the respondents said they would want to know the reason for the study. Other responses included: whether the responses would be confidential, the credentials of the interviewer, how long the study would take, and how the results were going to be used. Most of the respondents stated that it was very important for them to be represented when health-related studies were conducted. Thirty-two percent would like to have a personal invitation to participate, while sixteen percent stated that they would like to have a phone call. Forty-four percent of the respondents stated no pay was necessary for them to take part in a health-related study. Some
wanted a stipend but it was not important to most. Transportation being provided was important for some respondents. We also continued working with the Latino Health Coalition, including participating in their Health Fair. During this event, we conducted observational research. A bilingual interpreter was hired to interact with the participants. He spoke to the attendees as they came by the information booth and provided them with a food safety brochure. Several times during the evening he was not available at the booth. When he did not step forward and speak to the attendees, they passed by the booth and went on to another location. Thus it was well established that Latinos want to be approached, especially by someone from their own culture.
Impacts
Strong alliances with the Latino Community have been developed through the efforts made during this project. Should we need to include them in future health-related studies, we are now aware of the issues involved and the critical need for bilingual interviewers. We are also aware that trust is a major requirement before both Latino's and males will participate in research projects. Knowing someone associated with the project is almost an essential component to achieve success in getting these hard-to-reach populations to participate. As a result of this project, we are now known in the community. Indeed, we receive several calls and messages each month requesting our involvement in community activities. These contacts will be a valuable asset to our ability to conduct future studies with hard-to-reach populations.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Research project one. In person interviews were conducted with 120 respondents in various locations in Nashville, Tennessee. Of the 120 respondents that participated 48 percent were white, 48 percent were black and 4 percent were other. Respondents offered six major reasons for agreeing to take part in this study. These included being asked by someone they knew, being interested, wanting to learn about nutrition or how surveys are done, just wanted to be of help and be of service to the community, to receive the incentive that was offered, and just being available when needed. The majority (93 percent) had never participated in any other health related studies on or off campus, stating that they were not aware of any studies. Other reasons included having no transportation (blacks only), and not having time. When given a possible situation where they might be asked to be in a study, most respondents stated they would participate if asked and 37 percent were unsure
(maybe) that they would participate. When respondents answered no or maybe they were asked what they would want to know before they said yes. They most often wanted to know the reason for the study, that their information would be kept confidential, how long the study would take, and how much it paid. Over half of the respondents stated that it is very important for them to be represented when health related studies are conducted, with a third stating that it is important to be represented in health related research. Research project two. In person interviews were conducted with 100 respondents in their homes in Nashville, Tennessee. Most (73) were African Americans with 20 white, 5 Hispanic, and 2 other; all were considered limited resource. The largest numbers indicated that they wanted to learn something, and wanted to help out. Many agreed to take part in this study because of the gift card. Eighty percent of the participants had never participated in any other health related
studies. Several reasons were given, however, the majority of the respondents stated that they were not aware of any studies, had no transportation (blacks only) and did not have time. A possible study was described and participants were asked if they would participate. Most stated they would, 10 percent said no, and 36 percent said maybe. When respondents who answered no or maybe were asked, what would they want to know before they said yes, three major reasons were given. Several were interested in the reason for the study. Other reasons of importance were that the information would be confidential and knowing what they would have to do. Over half of the respondents stated that it is very important for them to be represented when health related studies are conducted. It appears that two main barriers that need to be overcome to get greater participation by underrepresented groups in health research are a better communication network, and provision of transportation.
Impacts
Recruiting persons who represented subpopulation groups is a very important part of a research projects. This means finding hard to reach groups such as African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos and those with limited resources. Depending on the project on which we are working, we could be in some communities very often. Having made these contacts with some of the people in the community, several observations are made. We are establishing rapport. We are no longer seen as intruders. New contacts have been made and participants are not willing to refer their friends and acquaintances to us, participants feel comfortable asking us questions. We have formed many alliances in the community, one of which includes becoming a member of the Nashville Latino Health Coalition, where we serve in two workgroups: Service Learning and Patient Navigator Network.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
This project has three phases. In Phase I focus groups were conducted to determine the consumer's knowledge of health, perception of health and well-being and the practice of prevention. Persons from three different population groups in Middle Tennessee (African Americans, Limited Resource consumers and Hispanics) were asked to give their opinions addressing the following subject areas: Health information knowledge, health-related program perceptions, preventive practices, perception of where numbers come from that are seen, read, or heard about in the media, knowledge of different types of research, personal barriers to participating in consumer health-related research. The information gathered from the focus groups conducted in Phase I was then used in Phase II. A questionnaire concerning health practices and consumer research participation has been developed, tested and added to each of the research projects conducted by the Food Safety and Nutrition Team of the
Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research (IAgER). Phase III will be an expansion of Phases I and II where there will be focus groups conducted with economically advantaged groups (for comparison), an expanded questionnaire will be administered, methods for increasing participation will be investigated.
Impacts
Finding the effective technique(s) for recruiting minorities and other hard-to-reach populations to participate in consumer health-related studies will decrease time in finding the right contact for a particular group, time for having to go through a particular person who is a protector of a particular group, and time in building rapport with various groups. This will translate into dollar savings for the future projects conducted by the Team. When hard-to-reach groups are target groups, a large portion of the money (time and manpower) is spent trying to get these groups to participate, to entice them to participate and/or make it convenient for them to participate.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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