Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine recruitment and retention strategies put forth by researchers and determine whether there are socioeconomic obstacles and identify solutions to expand inclusion strategies.
Design Methods: This cross-sectional analysis examined recruitment and retention strategies for disinvested populations in clinical trials focused on MDD, following PRISMA guidelines. We screened MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase (Elsevier) for trials from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023.. Eligible US-based trials underwent data extraction. Statistical analyses were completed with Stata18 SE.
Results: Of the 2,051 records identified, 49 articles were ultimately included for data extraction. Recruitment strategies were notably absent in 91.8% of studies, with 89.8% of the studies lacking a planned diversity goal. Retention strategies were also lacking in 85.7% of studies. Among the challenges noted, 26.5% of studies discussed limitations related to recruitment and population diversity.
Discussion: Our study identified significant deficiencies in MDD clinical trial strategies for recruiting and retaining historically marginalized groups in the United States, revealing that less than 10% of studies included diversity goals and less than 5% addressed ethical considerations for diverse participant recruitment. These findings compromise the validity and applicability of research outcomes and exacerbates health inequities. To address these gaps, future research should focus on implementing novel recruitment methodologies and policy reforms to enhance inclusivity and improve healthcare decision-making for diverse populations affected by MDD.
Design Methods: This cross-sectional analysis examined recruitment and retention strategies for disinvested populations in clinical trials focused on MDD, following PRISMA guidelines. We screened MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase (Elsevier) for trials from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023.. Eligible US-based trials underwent data extraction. Statistical analyses were completed with Stata18 SE.
Results: Of the 2,051 records identified, 49 articles were ultimately included for data extraction. Recruitment strategies were notably absent in 91.8% of studies, with 89.8% of the studies lacking a planned diversity goal. Retention strategies were also lacking in 85.7% of studies. Among the challenges noted, 26.5% of studies discussed limitations related to recruitment and population diversity.
Discussion: Our study identified significant deficiencies in MDD clinical trial strategies for recruiting and retaining historically marginalized groups in the United States, revealing that less than 10% of studies included diversity goals and less than 5% addressed ethical considerations for diverse participant recruitment. These findings compromise the validity and applicability of research outcomes and exacerbates health inequities. To address these gaps, future research should focus on implementing novel recruitment methodologies and policy reforms to enhance inclusivity and improve healthcare decision-making for diverse populations affected by MDD.
Original language | American English |
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Pages | 63 |
State | Published - 13 Sep 2024 |
Event | 2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health - Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, United States Duration: 13 Sep 2024 → 13 Sep 2024 |
Conference
Conference | 2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health |
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Abbreviated title | STRIDE 2024 |
Country/Territory | United States |
City | Tahlequah |
Period | 13/09/24 → 13/09/24 |