SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Medical Mistrust and Clinical Trial Participation

Pdf Summary

This study examined medical mistrust and what motivates people to join cancer clinical trials, using data from the 2020 NCI Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Medical mistrust was defined as reporting only “some,” “a little,” or “not at all” trust in cancer information from a doctor.<br /><br />Among 3,452 participants, 24% reported medical mistrust. Race was not an independent predictor of mistrust after adjustment, though financial distress was associated with higher mistrust. The study found that people with medical mistrust were less likely to be motivated by common factors such as altruism, expected clinical benefit, doctor encouragement, material support, and encouragement from family or friends.<br /><br />Overall, the findings suggest that usual incentives may be less effective for individuals who distrust the medical system. However, greater knowledge about clinical trials was linked to stronger motivation to participate. This implies that improving education and awareness about clinical trials may be a useful strategy for increasing participation, especially among underrepresented groups. The authors conclude that efforts to boost trial enrollment should focus not only on incentives, but also on building trust and increasing understanding of clinical trials.

Asset Subtitle

Shreeya Thussu

Meta Tag

Author List Mark Fiala, Shreeya Thussu

Category Research

Concept Medical Mistrust

Concept Cancer Clinical Trials

Concept Participation

Concept Clinical Trial Knowledge

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Presenting Author Shreeya Thussu

Track Translating Research into Practice

Keywords

medical mistrust

cancer clinical trials

HINTS survey

trial participation

financial distress

trust in doctors

clinical trial knowledge

altruism

patient motivation

underrepresented groups

Medical Mistrust

Cancer Clinical Trials

Participation

Clinical Trial Knowledge