An exploration of community leader perspectives about minority involvement in chiropractic clinical research

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the perspectives of individuals in leadership or advocacy positions from two different minority groups about involvement with chiropractic clinical research.

Design: The narratives from two focus groups provided the primary source data. Purposive sampling was used for participant selection. Within- and across-group analyses of focus group data were conducted using a matrix consisting of the core constructs awareness, acceptance, and access.

Setting: The Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research in Davenport, Iowa, was the setting.

Subjects: Participants were in leadership or advocacy positions from two minority communities in the greater Quad Cities area of Iowa. Eight (8) participants were in the Hispanic/Latino focus group, and 6 were in the Black/African-American focus group.

Results: The findings suggest that there is limited awareness about chiropractic and chiropractic research in the Hispanic/Latino and Black/African-American communities. Cultural and ethnic representation will facilitate efforts toward increasing awareness, acceptance, and access to the community. Generational differences exist in acceptance of chiropractic and chiropractic research by both communities. Gaining the trust of the Black/African-American community is essential before they will become involved in research. Participants from both groups reported that negative beliefs by health professionals impede access to chiropractic services. The participants identified a myriad of venues and methods for collaborating with their constituents.

Conclusions: Honoring the perspectives and needs of the Hispanic/Latino and the Black/African-American community is essential to facilitate participation in chiropractic clinical research. The study calls on research institutions to reconceptualize how they interact with the community to foster a more relational approach.