The Lack of Awareness and Effects of Peripheral Artery Disease and Systematic Barriers of Black Americans: The Need to Increase Clinical Trial Recruitment and Retention of Black Americans 40 Years of Age and Over

The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to understand Black American men and women 40 years old and over perceptions of participating in clinical trials and evaluating the extent of awareness about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Normative and explanatory theoretical framework was used to set the norms that understand most Black American behavior and explain causes of behaviors. This in turn helped sponsors, investigators, and researchers improve recruitment plans, outreach programs, and increase marketing to attract this population. Using MAXQDA software this research gathered qualitative data from 20 Black American men and women participants 40 years old and over, by conducting face-to-face interviews or virtual interviews in the city of Newark, New Jersey. The results of this study shows that mistrust and lack of knowledge are the leading reasons why Black American men and women over 40 years old and over are not willing to participate in clinical trials. In addition, 65% of participants lacked awareness about Peripheral Artery Disease and only 5% of participants were able to accurately explain the disease.