Clinical research trials: a comparison of African Americans who have and have not participated.

The purpose of this is study was to gain an understanding of the knowledge and perceptions African Americans have that influence decisions to participate or not participate in clinical research trials. A survey instrument designed to measure the key variables; knowledge and perceptions of clinical research processes, and selected demographic characteristics were utilized in this study. The major finding suggests that African Americans who have been participants in a clinical trial are more likely to participate in future clinical trials if details are provided in advance concerning the requirements and criteria for their participation.