Conducting research with racial/ethnic minorities: methodological lessons from the NIDA Clinical Trials Network

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2011 Sep;37(5):324-32. doi: 10.3109/00952990.2011.596973.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic / methods*
  • Ethnicity
  • Humans
  • Minority Groups
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (U.S.)
  • Patient Selection
  • Racial Groups
  • Research Design*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / ethnology
  • United States