Experiences in Recruitment for Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, and Other Non-White Cancer Survivors Through Community Outreach and Other Targeted Approaches.

Abstract

Objectives: Recruitment of racial/ethnic underserved populations in oncology research is essential to address health disparities. This article presents strategies and lessons learned from community outreach and other approaches for recruiting non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and other non-White survivors of cancer into a pilot study that investigated biopsychosocial determinants of health behaviors.

Methods: We critically examined the participant recruitment approaches to explore challenges and successful strategies and develop recommendations for future studies. Direct recruitment strategies included engaging with research staff members' personal community contacts/liaisons and participating in community outreach events (eg, farmers' markets, block parties, library events, cancer awareness events). Indirect recruitment strategies included posting and distribution of study flyers in community centers (eg, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, churches, libraries), online platforms (eg, FORCE, Survivor Journey website), and invitation letters sent to individuals identified as eligible through a single state cancer registry.

Results: Between April 2022 and May 2023, among the 64 individuals recruited, 36 were non-Hispanic Black, 25 were Hispanic, and three were American Indian/Alaska Native people. The use of a state cancer registry (64.1%), snowballing/word of mouth (7.8%), and advertisement through an established cancer support organization (ie, FORCE) website (7.8%) were the most effective strategies in this study.

Conclusion: Recruitment of non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and other non-White people into biobehavioral studies through community-engaged research is challenging and requires long-term commitment and engagement with partners from target communities and affiliated organizations.

Implication for nursing practice: Registries and community outreach events can build trust for successful enrollment. Using multiple strategies can provide the best opportunities to reach diverse populations and enroll them in cancer-related research studies.