Assessing attitudes towards pediatric research participation across diverse populations: Psychometric properties of a novel tool

Authors

Megan M. Hare, Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
Courtney S. Walker, Center for Advancement of Youth, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39110, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39110, USA
Dustin E. Sarver, Center for Advancement of Youth, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39110, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39110, USA
Crystal S. Lim, Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
Dustin C. Brown, Department of Sociology and Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
Robert D. Annett, Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and improving health outcomes. However, there is a recognized need for greater representation of marginalized groups to ensure that research findings can be generalized and effectively applied to all individuals. While the Pediatric Research Participation Questionnaire (PRPQ) was developed to assist pediatric clinical trials research by identifying benefits and barriers to research participation among children with chronic medical conditions, there is still limited insight into the structure of the PRPQ when administered in diverse samples, including the general pediatric population. Therefore, the current study examined the factor structure of the PRPQ in a general pediatric population to investigate whether rural-urban differences exist in the PRPQ factor structure.

METHODS: Caregivers (N = 600) of children under age 18 completed the PRPQ in a population-based survey in Mississippi. Sampling was stratified to ensure equal representation in rural (n = 300) and urban areas (n = 300). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to determine the factor structure of the PRPQ.

RESULTS: A five-factor structure was identified, compromising: social pressure, direct benefit, reasons for participation, mistrust in research/researchers, reasons against participation. While results were similar among urban participants, a three-factor structure emerged for rural participants.

CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the broader understanding of research participation among underrepresented groups. The findings suggest that clinical researchers should consider tailoring recruitment strategies to increase clinical trial participation among children in rural areas. Understanding factors that influence pediatric research participation, particularly among marginalized communities, is crucial for developing effective recruitment and retention strategies.

Publication Title

Contemp Clin Trials

ISSN

1559-2030

Volume

133

First Page

107321

Last Page

107321

DOI

10.1016/j.cct.2023.107321

Language (ISO)

English

Recommended Citation

Hare MM, Walker CS, Sarver DE, Lim CS, Brown DC, Annett RD. Assessing attitudes towards pediatric research participation across diverse populations: Psychometric properties of a novel tool. Contemp Clin Trials. 2023 Oct;133:107321. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107321. Epub 2023 Aug 29. PMID: 37652358; PMCID: PMC10591922.