Abstract LB147: Cultural and social determinants of trust in clinical trials and genomic research among Black and Hispanic cancer patients treated in a safety-net hospital

Abstract Background: The construct of ‘Trust’ is a critical factor influencing participation in genomic research, particularly among minority populations who have historically faced systemic discrimination in healthcare. Investigating cultural and social determinants of trust is essential to inform public health interventions aimed at improving representation in genomic studies. Methods: Through the Clinical Trials and Genomic Education Program (CTC-GEP), a NCI-funded initiative, purposed to address the barriers and facilitators to research participation, recruited 250 Black and Hispanic cancer patients receiving care at a safety-net hospital. Participants engaged in a three-month navigator-guided educational program on clinical trials and genomic research, including an informational video and pre- and post-education surveys at baseline, one month, and three months. Key measures included trust in healthcare providers, perceptions of clinical trial ethics, and confidence in research oversight. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated using SAS software. Results: Preliminary analysis at baseline revealed significant mistrust among participants, with 38.7% expressing skepticism toward information provided by researchers and 21.5% indicating fears of being exploited in research. Post- intervention, trust in healthcare providers increased by 15%, with 62.5% of participants agreeing that the reputation of the treatment center positively influenced their willingness to participate. Discussion: Public health initiatives that address historical inequities and foster cultural competence are vital for building trust in genomic research. This study demonstrates the potential of tailored interventions to promote equitable participation and highlights the importance of embedding trust-building efforts in broader public health frameworks addressing research participation among Black and Hispanic populations. Future research should explore long-term effects of trust-building strategies. Citation Format: Christina Wilkerson, Osato Eke, Naaja Davis, Nayya Jamison, Victoria Churchill, Amirah Burton-Obanla, Desiree Rivers, Brian M. Rivers. Cultural and social determinants of trust in clinical trials and genomic research among Black and Hispanic cancer patients treated in a safety-net hospital [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_2):Abstract nr LB147.