Abstract A071: Results from cancer clinical trials health education in racial/ethnically diverse populations

Abstract

Background: The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer center implemented NCI’s  Clinical Trials (CT) Education Initiative to promote awareness and conduct culturally tailored clinical trials engagement and education in racial/ethnically diverse populations. CT are studies that test ways to prevent, find and treat disease and ensure safety & effectiveness. Racial/ethnic groups have both the highest death rate and shortest survival rate for most cancers. Minority population CT participation is low and more diverse enrollment is needed for progress toward health equity. Methods: UCSF Community Health Educators engaged community partners and conducted CT education. Topics included what are clinical trials, how they work and advance progress, the value of diversity & inclusion, types and phases of CTs, informed consent, myths & facts, mistrust, other concerns & barriers, how to find & enroll in CT & sources for more information. Education sessions were evaluated using a 17-item pre-/post- survey to measure changes in CT knowledge and intention to participate. Changes in knowledge scores were assessed using the Wilcoxon Signed-rank sum test; changes in intent were assessed using the McNemar test. Results: There were 300 total participants (N=300 completed pre/post). Respondents: 76.5% female, 23.5% male; 53 average age; 70.9% African American, 1.4% American Indian, 8.4% Asian, 10.9% Latino, 1.7% Pacific Islander, 3.9% White & 2.8% Multiracial.  CT education significantly increased overall knowledge, the intention to seek out CT information and join CT.  Clinical trials knowledge score ranged from 0 to 11 pre-education, 4 to 11 post, and improved by 0.50 points (4.6%).  Post-education respondents strongly agreed or agreed: 74% to talk to a healthcare provider about CT; 77% importance of people of color CT participation; 48% intend to join a CT. Conclusion:  CT education is a strategy to address cancer health disparities through community engaged partnerships & education and demonstrated efficacy in increasing awareness & knowledge of CT and advanced intent to enroll.

Citation Format: Michelle Moseley, Eva Pardo, Ghila Andemeskel, Kim Rhoads. Results from cancer clinical trials health education in racial/ethnically diverse populations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A071.