The importance of transparency in the conduct of biomarker research
What is it about?
Although African Americans experience the highest risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), they are dramatically underrepresented in preclinical biomarker research. This is especially true for studies involving lumbar puncture as it may involve more perceived risk even for those participants who are otherwise supportive of research. To understand the unique concerns of African American participants regarding biomarker studies involving lumbar puncture who demonstrate support for AD research. Study participants were African American adults contacted through an AD research registry. We employed a novel method used to create hypothetical research studies varying on a set number of factors. The method is designed to collect potential patterns in decision making regarding research participation but differs from experimental vignette design in that the survey is administered with an accompanying qualitive interview to determine the meaning participants ascribe to factors independently and in conjunction with one another.
Why is it important?
Health equity is not possible without the participation of communities experiencing health disparities