Engaging African-Americans in Research in the Era of Precision Medicine: An All of Us Research Program Initiative.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to increase awareness about the All of Us Research Program and to engage African-Americans who live in the Deep South in conversations about research. This was a quasi-experimental single group design with pre- and post-tests. Recruitment occurred via social media, radio and television advertisements, and in-person recruitment. A purposive convenience sample was used. Seventy adults (70) participated in the study. The social media campaigns reached 35,000 people. Prior to the study, 21% of participants had heard about the All of Us Research Program. After the event, there was a 10.8% increase in the likelihood of participants' willingness to share information about the program, and a 20% increase in the perception that the program was dedicated to engaging diverse communities in research. African-Americans are still skeptical about participating in research. However, with targeted intervention, many of them are willing to participate in research if it will improve their overall health and well-being.