Utilizing Community Engagement Studios to Improve Participation of African American Cancer Survivors in Couples-Based Exercise Research

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests exercise can improve health outcomes for individuals with cancer and their caregiving partners. Research to improve outcomes in African American (AA) couples coping with cancer is scarce, despite known disparities in AA survivors. Incorporating community-engaged, culturally relevant strategies to enhance intervention development may encourage AA couple engagement in exercise research. OBJECTIVE: To consult AA cancer survivors and their caregiving partners using a community engagement studio approach and collect feedback about improving recruitment strategies and participation in an existing couples-based exercise trial. METHODS: AA adults currently or previously diagnosed with any cancer and their partners were recruited. Three community engagement studio sessions were conducted virtually to collect participants' perceptions using semi-structured discussion guides. Verbatim transcripts were coded by two independent investigators using an open approach to identify themes. RESULTS: Twenty participants (mean age 60.6 ± 9.7 years; 90% AA; 85% survivors; 75% women) completed the study. Four themes emerged: Suggested Exercise Trial Improvements, Exercise Prescription Used in the Trial, Connections to the AA Cancer Community, and The Cancer Experience. Participants quickly developed camaraderie as AAs coping with cancer and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect. Caregiving partners were underrepresented, limiting dyadic findings. CONCLUSION: These qualitative data informed strategies to promote racial diversity in the exercise trial examined. Community input can benefit future exercise research to help reduce cancer-related disparities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Future exercise oncology research should include community-driven recruitment approaches, hiring diverse staff and study advocates, individual exercise tailoring, and facilitating the development of an AA cancer support community.