• LaPrincess C Brewer, Sharonne N Hayes, Monica W Parker, Joyce E Balls-Berry, Michele Y Halyard, Vivian W Pinn, and Carmen Radecki Breitkopf.
• 1 Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota.
• J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2014 Aug 1; 23 (8): 681687681-7.

ObjectiveTo examine perceptions and attitudes toward health-related research participation among professional African American women.MethodsParticipants were members of an African American women's service organization, The Links, Incorporated. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires at The Links, Incorporated 2012 National Assembly. Sociodemographics, prior research experience, intention to participate (ITP), willingness to participate (WTP) in a variety of research studies and attitudes about research participation were measured.ResultsA total of 381 surveys were analyzed. A majority of respondents were married (66%), employed (69%), and college educated (96%). Median age was 59; 38% reported prior research participation. Overall, 78% agreed with the statement, "Participation in research will mean better care," 24% agreed "Participation in research is risky" and 3% agreed "Scientists cannot be trusted." Fifty-two percent agreed with the statement, "Research conducted in the U.S. is ethical." Mean ITP in research was 4.9±1.7 on a rating scale of 1 ("definitely no") to 7 ("definitely yes"). WTP was highest for an interview study and providing a blood sample, and lowest for clinical trial and medical record review.ConclusionAttitudes toward research participation were generally favorable among professional African American women; many expressed WTP in a variety of research study types.

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