Community recruitment of underrepresented populations to the AHEAD 3-45 preclinical AD trial using novel partnerships with nursing and community-based organizations: Lessons and outcomes

• Published in: Alzheimer's & dementia
• Main Authors: Salazar, Christian R, Tallakson, Melanie, Corona, Maria G, Duran, Edwin, Russ, Eunji, Hoang, Dan, Romero, Romina A, Sultzer, David L, Grill, Joshua D, Shin, Hye-Won
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 29.08.2024
• Subjects: inclusion; diversity; community; minority; recruitment
• ISSN: 1552-5260; 1552-5279; 1552-5279
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.14211

Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects minoritized populations who remain underrepresented in AD trials. We partnered with local nursing community-based organizations to implement a culturally tailored educational intervention and recruit Hispanic/Latino American, Filipino American, and Korean American adults aged 55 to 80 for the AHEAD study, a preclinical AD trial, at the University of California, Irvine. We engaged 654 individuals across 21 events, leading to 71 prescreenings: 21.1% Filipino, 11.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 67.6% Korean adults. Ineligibility due to age and language barriers was common among Hispanic/Latino and Korean adults, respectively. Filipino adults often withdrew interest or were lost to follow-up. Ultimately, 25 participants enrolled: eight Filipino, two Hispanic/Latino, and 15 Korean adults. Tailored, culturally relevant content significantly contributed to the engagement success. This study demonstrates the value and impact of novel partnerships with health-related provider organizations that provide trusted care and access to underrepresented communities. Six hundred and fifty four underrepresented individuals were reached, and 25 enrolled in the AHEAD 3-45 trial. Twenty-one community events were held via partnerships with nursing and community organizations. The study engaged 21% Filipino, 11% Hispanic/Latino, 68% Korean adults. Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles enhanced the recruitment process. Transparent communication and joint planning were key.