(781) A Translational Process Barrier: Recruitment and Retention of Black Birthing Women in Research

Black pregnant women are less likely to participate in research although they have the highest prevalence of adverse outcomes. Low recruitment and retention of Black women in research is a barrier for study generalizability and innovative interventions that could benefit the population at risk. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers of recruitment and retention of Black women in obstetric settings.

Study Design:

Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with Black women and their family members at two local community organizations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Audio was recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content thematic analysis. Focus group content included knowledge and attitudes towards research, research approaches, previous experiences with clinical research, clinical research interventions involving medication, research mistrust, barriers and facilitators to participating in clinical settings, and research education.

Results:

There was a total of 32 Black women and 2 Black men participated in three focus group. To analyze barriers in retention and recruitment we identified four themes: 1) Some individuals perceive research methodologies as being inefficient and burdensome, leading to falsification of self-reported data to expedite research activities. 2) Previous traumatic birth experiences and perceived side effects of medications. 3) Limited opportunities to participate in group settings to feel supported and “heard” instead of individual study participation. 4) Lack of dissemination to communities perceived as participation being insignificant and invaluable.

Conclusion:

We identified key barriers to recruiting and retaining Black women in obstetric research, including inefficiencies, past negative experiences, limited group participation, and poor community dissemination. Addressing these issues is crucial to building trust, enhancing participation, and ensuring research benefits this high-risk population.