[01] Donna Antoine-La Vigne, School of Public Health, Jackson Heart Study, Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA. [02] Dorothy McGill, Innovative Behavioral Services, Inc., Jackson, USA. [03] Marinelle Payton, School of Public Health, Jackson Heart Study, Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA. [04] Sherry Stephens-Gibson, Jackson Heart Study, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA. [05] Frances Henderson, Jackson Heart Study, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA. [06] Pamela McCoy, School of Public Health, Jackson Heart Study, Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA. [07] Brenda Campbell-Jenkins, School of Public Health, Jackson Heart Study, Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA. [08] Russell Bennett, School of Public Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA. [09] Ricardo Brown, School of Public Health, Jackson Heart Study, Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA. [10] Marty Fortenberry, School of Public Health, Jackson Heart Study, Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA. [11] Mohammad Shahbazi, School of Public Health, Jackson Heart Study, Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA. [12] Clifton Addison, School of Public Health, Jackson Heart Study, Center of Excellence in Minority Health and Health Disparities, Jackson State University, Jackson, USA.

Objective: Across the United States, chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and diabetes are having catastrophic effects on the health status of African Americans. To address health disparities in the United States, participation of African Americans in biomedical research studies and clinical trials is imperative. In Mississippi, this population leads the State in almost every negative health statistic. Thus, it is important to examine the indicators as to why many in the African American communities lack interest and motivation, and are reluctant to participate in research studies that can influence better health outcomes. Method: A qualitative study design was selected and focus groups were identified as the qualitative data collection method. A questionnaire designed to collect demographic data such as: county of residence; gender; age; income; education; and employment, also included three questions specific to the purpose of this study. Between May 2014 and February 2015, 70 participants were recruited from the same counties (Hinds, Madison and Rankin) as the JHS participants. They identified focus group sites and hosted a town hall meeting for the sessions. Analysis was conducted utilizing interpretive phenomenology. Discussion: Hinds and Madison County focus group participants perceived more disadvantages of research in their communities than advantages, while Rankin County focus group participants did not list any disadvantages, and they perceived a longer list of advantages than Hinds and Madison Counties. Primary among the disadvantages of research cited were four types of fears: fear of the unknown, fear of being mistreated, fear of having to pay to participate and fear of having to disclose personal financial information that could be misused. Conclusions: Researchers interested in recruiting and retaining African Americans in biomedical research studies must actively engage communities in the research process from the planning phase to implementation. This allows time for communities and researchers to “get to know” each other. Researchers will also find that community members have a wealth of knowledge and influence that can facilitate the success of the research more so than if the researchers chose to go it alone initiate the research without community involvement.

African Americans, Participation in Research, Motivation, Advantages

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