Paper

Partnership with an African American Sorority to Enhance Participation in Cancer Genetics Research
Sharon J. Olsen^a, Kathryn T. Malvern^b, Betty J. May^a, Issie L. Jenkins^b, Constance A. Griffin<sup>a

a</sup>Mid-Atlantic Cancer Genetics Network, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., and
^bZeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., National Educational Foundation, Washington, D.C., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Community Genet 2008;11:201-207 (DOI: 10.1159/000116880)

  Key Words

• Cancer
• Genetics
• African American
• Recruitment
• Research
• Cancer Genetics Network

  Abstract

Background/Aims: Reduced minority participation in clinical research challenges researchers to consider novel recruitment modalities. This study describes a formal partnership between the National Educational Foundation of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and the Mid-Atlantic Cancer Genetics Network. The goal was to enhance awareness about inherited breast cancer and to increase enrollment in the national Cancer Genetics Network. Methods: In this descriptive, pilot study, two recruitment strategies across four states were undertaken: an onsite educational session at four Annual State Leadership Conferences and a 2-tiered direct mail campaign to the sorority membership. Results: Recruitment methods targeted over 1,200 well-educated African American women. Of the 279 attendees at the state conference educational sessions, only 3 women meeting the high risk eligibility requirement enrolled. Direct mail recruitment elicited 24 eligible women. Lessons learned are described. Conclusion: Despite low accrual, the partnership laid a foundation for broader collaboration with the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. In the future, collaboration with minority sororities and fraternities as part of standard registry recruitment should be explored.

Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Sharon J. Olsen, Assistant Professor
Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing
525 N Wolfe St, Rm 417
Baltimore, MD 21205 (USA)
Tel. +1 301 972 0865, Fax +1 301 955 0466, E-Mail olsen@son.jhmi.edu

  Article Information

Published online: April 14, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 19