Factors influencing the recruitment of diverse populations into pain research: findings from a qualitative study with underrepresented participants

The inclusion of diverse populations in pain research is crucial to obtaining a complete understanding of how the biopsychosocial experience of pain is seen through the lens of different populations. Traditionally, individuals who identify as Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino have not participated in early phase clinical trials, and as a result, their unique perspectives of the management of pain have not been included in study results. In this qualitative research study, we sought to uncover barriers that prevent diverse populations from participating in pain treatment clinical trials. Partnering with a community organization, we used a semistructured interview to conduct nine focus groups among underrepresented populations to obtain these perspectives. A total of 54 patients with ages ranging from 23 to 77 years old were recruited for this study. Of the patients recruited for the study, 74% identified as non-Hispanic Black, and 24% identified as Hispanic/Latino. Results were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic saturation using inductive qualitative content analysis. Results uncovered an array of different perspectives including the recognition of historical wrongs that lead to mistrust of the research and healthcare systems. However, other perspectives include recognition that the location of study sites, time required for participation, and overall accessibility of the study play a significant role in an individual's willingness to participate.