Conducting Research with Racial/Ethnic Minorities: Methodological Lessons from the NIDA Clinical Trials Network

Abstract

Background: Multiple studies in the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network (CTN) demonstrate strategies for conducting effective substance abuse treatment research with racial/ethnic minorities (REMs). Objectives: The objectives of this article are to describe lessons learned within the CTN to (1) enhance recruitment, retention, and other outcomes; (2) assess measurement equivalence; and (3) use data analytic plans that yield more information. Method: This article includes background information and examples from multiple CTN studies on inclusion, measurement, and data analysis. Results and Conclusions: Seven recommendations are included for conducting more effective research on REMs.

• racial/ethnic minorities
• clinical trials
• health disparities
• recruitment
• retention
• data analytic plans
• measurement equivalence

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The preparation of this article was supported in part by the following grants from the National Institutes of Health: U10 DA13035, HHSN271200522071C, U10 DA13720, U10 DA015833, U10 DA013732.

Declaration of Interest

Carmen L. Rosa is an employee of NIDA Center for the Clinical Trials Network receiving funds from DHSSS/NIH.