Clinical trials, ethnic minority participation

The argument is often made that African Americans and other ethnic minorities do not participate in clinical trials because they do not want to. African Americans in particular were thought to be suspicious of participation because of previous experiences of exploitation and manhandling of vulnerable minority groups (Melfi et al, 2000 Corbie-Smith et al, 1999). The Tusgekee syphilis study is often cited as a reason for mistrust (Shavers et al, 2000 Shavers et al, 2002 Corbie-Smith et al, 1999). This study was a federally funded study of the long-term consequences of syphilis on African American men initially started before antibiotics were available. 

Justice The burdens and the benefits of participation in clinical trials must be distributed evenly and fairly. Vulnerable populations (for example, prisoners, residents in nursing homes) should not be deliberately chosen for participation in clinical trials when nonvulnerable populations are also appropriate participants. The benefits of participation, such as access to potentially life-saving new therapies, should be available to all, including those not historically well represented such as women, children, and members of ethnic minorities. 

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