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Five Reasons We Must Increase Diversity in Medical Research
Special to The Truth
For better or worse, the
COVID-19 pandemic highlights the devastating impact health
inequities have on people of color; especially members of
the Black and Hispanic/Latino communities.
Mentions of medical
studies are at an all-time high, given the focus on the
search for a COVID-19 vaccine; but it’s important to
understand that research has existed since the advent of
modern-day medicine. It is through research that we learn if
a treatment is safe and works as it is supposed to.
Participation in medical
research is particularly important if you are from a
racially and/or ethnically diverse background because these
groups have been historically underrepresented. Here are
five reasons why this matters and what you can do for
yourself and others.
1. Shifts in Population.
According to U.S. Census data, Black/African Americans
represent 13 percent and Hispanics/Latinos make up 18
percent of the U.S. population. However, from a clinical
research perspective, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) reports that Blacks only represent 5-7 percent and
Hispanic/Latinos 1-6 percent of the volunteers in medical
research. Caucasians account for 67 percent of the
population, but 83 percent of research participants.
2. Treatments proven to
work for everyone. Medical research, and the people who
volunteer for it, are essential to the development of ways
to fight illnesses. Research has shown that certain
populations can be at higher risk for different diseases,
such as diabetes and heart disease. That’s why it’s
important for studies to include diverse volunteers who
represent the population most likely to be treated with the
medicines or devices being studied.
3. Equal access to care.
Everyone deserves quality healthcare but, unfortunately, not
everyone has equal access to it. According to the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, members of the
Black/African American community are 30% more likely to die
from heart disease than Caucasians. Additionally, The Center
for American Progress reports that one in five
Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S. don’t seek medical care due to
language barriers.
4. Knowledge is power.
Research shows that by putting your health first, you may
fare better. As you learn more about your health risks, it’s
important to consider learning about medical research that
may benefit you. By volunteering, you might gain access to
cutting-edge treatments and ensure your condition will be
closely monitored. Talk to your doctor about the studies
underway and search for clinical trials by visiting
www.clinicaltrials.gov.
5. Safety for all study
volunteers. It’s understood that there’s a level of mistrust
in medical research based off historical abuses experienced
by women and people of color. That does not happen in
today’s research as it is closely monitored to ensure
protection of all volunteers. When volunteering for a study,
you will be given information explaining what will take
place and before anything happens, you must give your
approval to participate. If at any time you’re not
comfortable, you have a voice to express your concerns with
your physician.
One initiative working to
improve inequities is the Boston Scientific Close the Gap
program, which aims to help all patients understand their
medical condition and different therapies available to help
them live better lives. This includes broadening clinical
trial participation. More information can be found at
knowyourhealth.com.
Courtesy StatePoint
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