---

Purpose: Little data is available upon which to base the selection of culturally appropriate methods for obtaining data from the Hawaiian and Filipino populations. The purpose of this investigation was to identify the barriers to participation in research that involves these populations in Hawaii. Background: Minorities need to be included in scientific clinical research. The recruitment of diverse samples in clinical and biomedical research is critical to insuring the results of such investigations are generalizable to the many different groups that make up the US. Methods: The study used qualitative methods, specifically focus groups. The focus groups consisted of 4-8 individuals and an ethnically matched moderator. The groups were asked to describe their “feelings”, “perceptions”, and “problems” related to 13 standardized questions. The data was collected via audio tape. Four groups of Hawaiians, and 4 groups of Filipinos were included in the study. Audio tapes were transcribed and were qualitatively analyzed using SPSS Text-Smart. Findings: The results indicated that the barriers to participation include negative feelings about medical research, and little exposure to medical research. In addition, specific reasons why people don't get involved in research, and suggestions on how to get people from these populations to participate in research investigations, were also obtained. Perceptions about types of medical research needed in Hawaii were also generated.

This was supported by the NIH-NCRR award Number P20RR11145-09S1 and R25 RR019321