Increasing engagement of Spanish-speaking transgender Latinas in research: strategies from ChiCAS, a community-based participatory research intervention trial.

Abstract

Minoritized racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender communities and populations face profound health disparities and their engagement in research remains low. In a randomized controlled trial, our community-based participatory research partnership tested the efficacy of ChiCAS, an HIV prevention intervention designed to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis use among Spanish-speaking transgender Latinas. Of 161 eligible Spanish-speaking transgender Latinas screened, we enrolled 144, achieving an 89% participation rate, and retained 94% at 6-month follow-up. Given these participation and retention rates, we sought to identify strategies used for engaging transgender Latinas in the trial. We abstracted and analysed data from archived trial and meeting notes, reports, and facilitated discussions with partners and steering committee members. A nominal group process was used to identify, refine, and interpret engagement strategies; 17 strategies emerged. Strategies included building trust through our community-based participatory research partnership; fostering relationships with HIV, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, and Latine organizations; and leveraging peer networks. Additional strategies such as ensuring members of the research team reflected the community, providing logistical support (e.g. flexible scheduling and transportation), and giving cash tokens of appreciation were also identified. These strategies can be adapted to enhance engagement, including participation and retention, of other minoritized populations in research.