Partnering With Faith Communities to Increase Knowledge of Precision Medicine and Genetic Research in the Black Community

Abstract

IntroductionGenomic and genetic research are integral to precision medicine and contemporary cancer care. These approaches hold great promise for addressing longstanding racial cancer disparities and poor cancer outcomes observed in Black populations. However, in Black populations, there are several barriers to participating in genomic and genetic research. Faith-based organizations, specifically Black churches, offer a unique opportunity to both address these barriers and foster the environment for community engagement that can lead to greater awareness and interest in genomics, genetics, precision medicine, and cancer clinical trials.MethodsIn the present study, the study team partnered with metropolitan Detroit Black churches to develop and implement a pilot intervention to increase genetic and clinical trial literacy, as well as interest in cancer clinical trials, titled, "The Future of Medicine is Now". During the intervention, facilitators presented videos, produced by the project team and partners, that addressed precision medicine, familial risk, genetic risk assessment, and cancer clinical trials. Facilitators also responded to questions and led discussion throughout the program.ResultsIn total, 106 individuals consented to participate in research components of the program. The mean age of the participants was 46.5 (SD = 16.8) years; 73.6% (n = 48) identified as female, and 89.6% (n = 95) identified as Black. Attitudes related to clinical trials participation improved from pre- to post-education session; at pre-test 49.5% of participants agreed with the statement "I am likely to search for a clinical trial that I might be eligible for", as opposed to 67.0% at post-test. Improvements related to genetic literacy were also seen from pre- to post-test.ConclusionResults from this study suggest that collaborations with faith-based organizations are effective in building knowledge and interest in genomics, genetics, precision medicine, and research in Black communities. Future research should aim to incorporate community- and culturally-specific engagement strategies to increase participation in research.

Keywords: black communities; community engagement; faith-based organizations; genomic research; precision oncology.