Community recruitment of underrepresented populations to the AHEAD 3‐45 preclinical AD trial using novel partnerships with nursing and community‐based organizations: Lessons and outcomes

Abstract

AbstractINTRODUCTIONAlzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects minoritized populations who remain underrepresented in AD trials.METHODSWe partnered with local nursing community‐based organizations to implement a culturally tailored educational intervention and recruit Hispanic/Latino American, Filipino American, and Korean American adults aged 55 to 80 for the AHEAD study, a preclinical AD trial, at the University of California, Irvine.RESULTSWe engaged 654 individuals across 21 events, leading to 71 prescreenings: 21.1% Filipino, 11.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 67.6% Korean adults. Ineligibility due to age and language barriers was common among Hispanic/Latino and Korean adults, respectively. Filipino adults often withdrew interest or were lost to follow‐up. Ultimately, 25 participants enrolled: eight Filipino, two Hispanic/Latino, and 15 Korean adults. Tailored, culturally relevant content significantly contributed to the engagement success.DISCUSSIONThis study demonstrates the value and impact of novel partnerships with health‐related provider organizations that provide trusted care and access to underrepresented communities.Highlights Six hundred and fifty four underrepresented individuals were reached, and 25 enrolled in the AHEAD 3‐45 trial. Twenty‐one community events were held via partnerships with nursing and community organizations. The study engaged 21% Filipino, 11% Hispanic/Latino, 68% Korean adults. Community‐Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles enhanced the recruitment process. Transparent communication and joint planning were key.