"We Don't Get Drugs Targeted for Us:" Applying the Integrated Behavioral Model to Understand Why Black Women Chose to Participate in a Breast Cancer Clinical Trial

Abstract

Guided by the integrated behavioral model, the authors interviewed 14 Black breast cancer survivors (N = 14) who had participated in a breast cancer clinical trial. This study aimed to better understand what may motivate Black women to engage in medical research and decide to participate in medical research. Findings revealed that Black women's altruistic desires to serve others and their communities are greatly influenced by the need to leave a "legacy" of better treatment for other Black women. The participants mostly learned about clinical trials through communicating with friends, family, or other breast cancer patients and survivors, rather than from their physicians. Many were influenced to participate by other Black breast cancer patients they knew, suggesting that social norms messaging may help alert other Black women about the continuing disparity in clinical trial participation. Finally, the participants in this study demonstrated high levels of involvement not only in seeking out clinical trials, but also in engaging in informed and shared decision-making with their providers about participating in the trials. The findings from this work illuminate important reasons Black women chose to participate in breast cancer clinical trials. Additionally, we offer robust and valuable theoretical and practical implications for researchers, so they can work toward successfully increasing Black women's participation in clinical trials.