Clinical trial awareness among racial/ethnic minorities in HINTS 2007: sociodemographic, attitudinal, and knowledge correlates

Abstract

The purpose of this study was (1) to examine the association of race/ethnicity on clinical trial awareness, controlling for several sociodemographic, attitudinal, and knowledge variables, and (2) to inform future communication campaigns to increase clinical trial awareness and participation. Secondary analysis was conducted among 6,754 Hispanic, Black, and White adult respondents to the National Cancer Institute's 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). The dependent variable was awareness of clinical trials. Logistic regression was used to examine possible correlates of clinical trial awareness including sociodemographics, trust of sources of health information, beliefs about safety of health information, family/personal history of cancer, health seeking information, and awareness of three health agencies. Compared with Whites, Blacks and Hispanics were significantly less likely to have heard of a clinical trial. Other significant correlates of clinical trial awareness included education, income, belief that health information is safely guarded, family history of cancer, awareness of the Centers for Disease control, trust of health information from the Internet and charitable organizations, and distrust of health information from religious institutions. Blacks and Hispanics are significantly less aware of clinical trials. Campaigns that exploit unique beliefs and delivery channels for racial/ethnic subgroups should be considered.