Intergenerational perceptions of health and health research among African American, Caribbean, and Hispanic/Latinx American older and younger adults

Abstract

Background: African Americans (AA), Caribbeans (CA), and Hispanic/Latinx Americans (HL) experience higher rates of poor health and disease as compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Research participation by older, ethnically diverse adults is essential in the effort to reduce these health disparities; yet they have lower enrollment and retention in health research. Little is known concerning enablers and barriers for older adults of diverse ethnic backgrounds living in the United States to participate in health research.  Objective: The aim of this study was to discover the generational perceptions of health issues and research by race and age of AA, CA, and HL. Methods: Recruitment was by multiple methods of community outreach. Induction of themes was by constant comparison and thematic analysis of 86 transcripts from focus groups of three ethnic minorities by age: N = 363 older (65 years or greater) and younger adults (25-64 years). Results: There were both similarities and differences by race and age concerning perceptions of health and health research. Younger adults expressed a concern for lack of communication of family health history by earlier generations. Older adults value their privacy concerning their health. A common theme was that participation in health research is everyone’s responsibility to help family, brown and black communities for the greater good. Conclusions: This study reinforced the differences in health and health research perceptions among ethnic minorities by generation, implying the need for involving the community’s feedback in the design of health studies. Further implications are the consideration of enablers and barriers toward health research participation as a potential method to reduce health disparities.