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Lessons Learned in Conducting Nutrition‐Related Research in African American (AA) Older Adults
Author(s) -
BABATUNDE OYINLOLA TOYIN,
CAMPA ADRIANA,
HIMBURG SUSAN P
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.1010.2
Subject(s) - attrition , gerontology , medicine , african american , population , family medicine , psychology , environmental health , sociology , ethnology , dentistry
Background To reduce health disparity, the implementation of culturally sensitive strategies to improve participation of minority groups in nutrition research is needed. The objective of this report is to present lessons learned from outreaching and recruiting community‐based minority elders. Methods Participants were recruited through gatekeepers who were trusted by the target population and who belonged to the Churches and Senior Centers where African American (AA) elders routinely attend in three South Florida counties. Accessing and recruiting older AAs was challenging without these gatekeepers who acted as liaison between the church, group leaders, the participants and the investigator to negotiate agreement to participate in research. All data‐collecting forms were field‐tested to adapt them culturally. After 2 years, 130 participants were recruited, consented and participated in a six‐week education sessions on osteoporosis prevention. Results Mean age of participants was 70.1 ±SD 10.4 y., 90% were women, and median education was 13 y. (range 8–20 y.). Attrition rate was 15.4%, 110 (84.6%) completed the program. Lessons Learned Accessing AA older adults, an underserved and hard‐to‐reach group, requires determination and perseverance. Trusted gatekeepers, cultural adaptations and familiar social settings are needed to improve participation of minority groups in nutrition‐related research to reduce health disparity.