Graphic Stories to Promote Research Readiness Among South Asian Community A Focus on Purpose, Protection, and Participation

Abstract

Record ID: 168

Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication

Program Affiliation: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract: South Asians living in the US are frequently underrepresented in health research. Their lack of participation limits research's generalizability to them and keeps them from receiving the high-quality care and innovation that some studies may offer. "Research Ready" is a 5-panel, community co-created comic-style story that encourages discussion around the purpose of research, safety while participating, and why diverse participation, including South Asians, improves study results and leads to more effective interventions/treatments. This study leveraged trained young adults "cultural insiders" to invite attendees of a Midwestern South Asian Cultural Festival to read the story aloud together as the characters in either English or Hindi and used a decision guide to invite discussion. Post-discussion surveys (N=104) were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participants spanned from 10-79 years with 42% <18 years and more females (61%). Only 18.3% indicated having prior research participation. Adults 40+ years (60%) requested the story/discussion in Hindi, compared to 2.3% of adolescents and 6.7% of younger adults. Post discussion, more participants were willing to consider participation with most open to participating in surveys/interviews (95.2%); only 52.9% would consider studies requiring the taking of medicines. Adolescents and adults with higher education were more willing to participate in medication studies. Nearly all (97.1%) said they would feel safe participating in research and 88.5% shared that the discussion would help them better decide about future participation. In conclusion, "Research Ready" discussions shared by cultural insiders is an effective way to encourage South Asians to consider future research participation.