Community-Centered Education Improves Clinical Trial Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Among Minoritized Women

Background

Cancer clinical trials are critical for advancing treatments, yet women of color remain underrepresented despite facing disproportionately poorer outcomes in gynecologic cancers. Barriers such as skepticism, limited awareness, and systemic failures in trial referrals perpetuate these disparities. Community-based partnerships may bridge this gap by fostering culturally relevant education and trust.

Study Design

This pilot study collaborated with two Chicago-based community organizations serving African American and Hispanic women to co-develop a culturally tailored curriculum on gynecologic oncology clinical trials. Anonymous pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed four domains: clinical trial knowledge, communication self-efficacy, access/navigation, and trust-related attitudes. Analyses used Mann-Whitney U tests and rank-biserial correlations for effect sizes.

Key Findings

The intervention (N=78) yielded significant improvements in knowledge (r=0.28–0.32, p<0.001) and self-efficacy, with smaller effects on trust. African American participants showed robust gains (8/10 items improved, r=0.28–0.47), while Hispanic participants exhibited positive but non-significant trends due to limited sample size. Effect sizes were consistent across knowledge and access domains.

Expert Commentary

This study underscores the value of community-engaged approaches in addressing systemic barriers to trial participation. While cultural tailoring enhanced receptivity, the modest impact on trust signals the need for longitudinal interventions to dismantle historical inequities. Smaller effects among Hispanic participants highlight recruitment challenges requiring tailored strategies.

Conclusion

Community-centered education can mitigate disparities in clinical trial engagement, though scalable models must address logistical and trust barriers. Future research should explore hybrid delivery methods and long-term retention in partnership with minority-serving institutions.