LBSUN320 Building The Evidence To Address Disparities In Type 1 Diabetes (BEAD-T1D): Recruitment Practices To Engage Underrepresented Youth And Their Families

Underrepresented youth have less access to diabetes technology research and usage. The BEAD-T1D study aims to build an evidence-based intervention to reduce disparities in diabetes technology uptake in youth with public insurance and type 1 diabetes (T1D). Here, we present our strategies to optimize recruitment of underrepresented groups. | Our recruitment strategy started with hiring a bilingual and bicultural Latino research assistant (RA) to facilitate culturally competent recruitment. Youth with public insurance aged <12 years with T1D were screened in advance of their clinic visits. The RA coordinated with the clinic team to facilitate contact with potential participants. Parent/guardian preferred language and times of contact were always solicited and honored by the RA. The RA introduced the study to the parent/guardian and answered any questions, including personal concerns around research in the family's preferred language. If interested, they were given the option of consenting in clinic, in person, or virtually (video or phone call). Consents were conducted at a pace set by the parent/guardian to ensure understanding. | A total of 56 families (64% Hispanic, 25% Non-Hispanic White [NHW], 2% Non-Hispanic Black [NHB], and 9% other) were eligible. We approached 42 families (14 not approached: 6 no showed, 2 provider preference, and 6 dismissed from clinic before RA contact). Of the 42 approached, 23 consented (age 39±9 years; 78% female; 65% Hispanic, 26% NHW, and 9% Other). Of the 19 who did not consent, 2 declined (1 NHW and 1 NHB), 13 did not answer phone calls, and 4 plan to consent in a few months. The preferred times of contact were 8am-7pm and families were contacted 2 times (range 1-4) before a definitive response was received. In-clinic approach was important to successful consent: 78% consenters versus 31% non-consenters were approached in-clinic. Barriers to in-clinic approach for the RA included late or no response from providers or care team ending the clinic visit as well as bandwidth/connectivity issues. | We demonstrated that culturally congruent staff and flexible recruitment practices prioritizing participants’ availability is beneficial in recruiting individuals from historically underrepresented groups. Our study population is 65% Hispanic, which is significantly higher than typical T1D clinical trials. Culturally and linguistically congruent RA with wide availability in times of contact and communication methods was key. We formed a culturally competent interpersonal relationship with our families, addressing barriers to research participation underrepresented families face within and outside of the medical system. In-clinic recruitment to introduce the study and build rapport with the family appears to encourage consenting. Researchers can modify their hiring practices and recruitment protocols to support recruitment of historically excluded families. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.