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Hare MM, Walker CS, Sarver DE, Lim CS, Brown DC, Annett RD. Assessing attitudes towards pediatric research participation across diverse populations: Psychometric properties of a novel tool. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 133:107321. [PMID: 37652358 PMCID: PMC10591922 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and improving health outcomes. However, there is a recognized need for greater representation of marginalized groups to ensure that research findings can be generalized and effectively applied to all individuals. While the Pediatric Research Participation Questionnaire (PRPQ) was developed to assist pediatric clinical trials research by identifying benefits and barriers to research participation among children with chronic medical conditions, there is still limited insight into the structure of the PRPQ when administered in diverse samples, including the general pediatric population. Therefore, the current study examined the factor structure of the PRPQ in a general pediatric population to investigate whether rural-urban differences exist in the PRPQ factor structure. METHODS Caregivers (N = 600) of children under age 18 completed the PRPQ in a population-based survey in Mississippi. Sampling was stratified to ensure equal representation in rural (n = 300) and urban areas (n = 300). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to determine the factor structure of the PRPQ. RESULTS A five-factor structure was identified, compromising: social pressure, direct benefit, reasons for participation, mistrust in research/researchers, reasons against participation. While results were similar among urban participants, a three-factor structure emerged for rural participants. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to the broader understanding of research participation among underrepresented groups. The findings suggest that clinical researchers should consider tailoring recruitment strategies to increase clinical trial participation among children in rural areas. Understanding factors that influence pediatric research participation, particularly among marginalized communities, is crucial for developing effective recruitment and retention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Hare
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Courtney S Walker
- Center for Advancement of Youth, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39110, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39110, USA
| | - Dustin E Sarver
- Center for Advancement of Youth, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39110, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39110, USA.
| | - Crystal S Lim
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Dustin C Brown
- Department of Sociology and Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Robert D Annett
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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Abrahão R, Alvarez EM, Waters AR, Romero CC, Gosdin MM, Naz H, Pollock BH, Kirchhoff AC, Keegan THM. A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to adolescents and young adults' participation in cancer clinical trials: Oncologist and patient perspectives. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29479. [PMID: 34913583 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite efforts to increase participation of adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 15-39 years) in cancer clinical trials (CTs), enrollment remains very low. Even when provided access to CTs, AYAs are less likely to participate than children and older adults. A better understanding of oncologist- and AYA survivor-reported barriers, facilitators, and potential areas for CT enrollment improvement is needed. PROCEDURES From December 2019 to August 2020, we conducted 43 semi-structured interviews with oncologists (n = 17) and AYA cancer survivors (n = 26) who were offered and/or participated in CTs at cancer centers in California and Utah. Thematic analyses were used to interpret the findings. RESULTS Oncologists identified a lack of available CTs, strict eligibility criteria, lack of awareness of open CTs, and poor communication between pediatric and adult oncologists as major barriers to enrollment. AYA cancer survivors identified financial and psychosocial barriers, and a poor understanding of what a CT means and its potential benefits as barriers to enrollment. Areas for improvement identified by oncologists and AYAs include educational, financial, and psychosocial support to AYAs. Oncologists also emphasized the need to increase CT availability, improve awareness of open CTs, and better communication between both pediatric and adult oncologists and oncologists and AYAs. CONCLUSIONS For AYAs with cancer, a lack of CT eligibility and physician awareness of open CTs likely factor into their lower CT enrollment. Potential strategies to improve AYA enrollment in CTs require comprehensive collaboration between pediatric and adult institutions, as well as educational, psychosocial, and financial support to AYAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Abrahão
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Elysia M Alvarez
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Austin R Waters
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Crystal C Romero
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Melissa M Gosdin
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Hiba Naz
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Brad H Pollock
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
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Parker AE, Scull TM, Morrison AM. DigiKnowIt News: Educating youth about pediatric clinical trials using an interactive, multimedia educational website. J Child Health Care 2022; 26:139-153. [PMID: 33836627 DOI: 10.1177/13674935211003774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric clinical trials allow for the testing of appropriate and effective treatments for children. However, some challenges exist with recruitment. This study examined the effectiveness of DigiKnowIt News, an interactive, multimedia website (which includes activities, videos, and comic books) designed to educate children about clinical trials. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2018 with 91 participants (M age = 10.92 years; SD = 2.06). Participants were randomly assigned to intervention or wait-list control groups and completed questionnaires at pretest and posttest (1 week later) about their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs about clinical trials, and self-efficacy for participating in clinical trials. Participants in the intervention group received access to DigiKnowIt News between pretest and posttest and completed a satisfaction questionnaire at posttest. At the end of the study, participants in the wait-list control group were offered the option to use the website and complete a satisfaction questionnaire. At posttest, participants in the intervention group, compared to participants in the wait-list control group, had more knowledge about clinical trials and more reported confidence for participating in clinical trials. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with DigiKnowIt News. The findings suggest that an educational website can improve factors related to increasing rates of participation in clinical trials.
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Parker K, Cottrell E, Stork L, Lindemulder S. Parental decision making regarding consent to randomization on Children's Oncology Group AALL0932. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28907. [PMID: 33501773 PMCID: PMC7904659 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within pediatric oncology, parental decision making regarding participation in clinical trials that aim to reduce therapy to mitigate side effects is not well studied. The recently completed Children's Oncology Group trial for standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (AALL0932) included a reduction in maintenance therapy, and required consent for randomization immediately prior to starting maintenance. At our institution, 40% of children enrolled on AALL0932 were withdrawn from protocol therapy prior to randomization due to parental choice. This study sought to identify factors that impacted parental decision making regarding randomization on AALL0932. PROCEDURE Parents of children enrolled on AALL0932 at our institution were eligible if their child met criteria for the average-risk randomization. Parents were invited to participate in a 30-50-minute phone interview. Questions focused on factors that shaped parental decision making about randomization, as well as their perspectives about the clinical trial experience more generally. RESULTS Fear of receiving less therapy and subsequent relapse was the predominant reason to decline randomization. Reasons given for consenting to randomization included trust in the physician, altruism, hope for less therapy, and potential for fewer side effects. Parents also reflected on ways to support future families making decisions about clinical trial participation. CONCLUSION While many parents recognize the importance of clinical trials aiming to mitigate side effects, the fear of their own child relapsing with less than standard therapy may dissuade them from study participation. Recognizing and addressing these concerns will be important for enrollment and retention in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellee Parker
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Erika Cottrell
- Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Linda Stork
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Susan Lindemulder
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Schapira MM, Stevens EM, Sharpe JE, Hochman L, Reiter JG, Calhoun SR, Shah SA, Bailey LC, Bagatell R, Silber JH, Tai E, Barakat LP. Outcomes among pediatric patients with cancer who are treated on trial versus off trial: A matched cohort study. Cancer 2020; 126:3471-3482. [PMID: 32453441 PMCID: PMC11059191 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 50% of children with cancer in the United States who are aged <15 years receive primary treatment on a therapeutic clinical trial. To the authors' knowledge, it remains unknown whether trial enrollment has a clinical benefit compared with the best alternative standard therapy and/or off trial (ie, clinical trial effect). The authors conducted a retrospective matched cohort study to compare the morbidity and mortality of pediatric patients with cancer who are treated on a phase 3 clinical trial compared with those receiving standard therapy and/or off trial. METHODS Subjects were aged birth to 19 years; were diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), rhabdomyosarcoma, or neuroblastoma; and had received initial treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. On-trial and off-trial subjects were matched based on age, race, ethnicity, a diagnosis of Down syndrome (for patients with ALL or AML), prognostic risk level, date of diagnosis, and tumor type. RESULTS A total of 428 participants were matched in 214 pairs (152 pairs for ALL, 24 pairs for AML, 32 pairs for rhabdomyosarcoma, and 6 pairs for neuroblastoma). The 5-year survival rate did not differ between those treated on trial versus those treated with standard therapy and/or off trial (86.9% vs 82.2%; P = .093). On-trial patients had a 32% lower odds of having worse (higher) mortality-morbidity composite scores, although this did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-1.03 [P = .070]). CONCLUSIONS There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes noted between those patients treated on trial and those treated with standard therapy and/or off trial. However, in partial support of the clinical trial effect, the results of the current study indicate a trend toward more favorable outcomes in children treated on trial compared with those treated with standard therapy and/or off trial. These findings can support decision making regarding enrollment in pediatric phase 3 clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn M. Schapira
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - James E. Sharpe
- Center for Outcomes Resarch, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lauren Hochman
- Center for Outcomes Resarch, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joseph G. Reiter
- Center for Outcomes Resarch, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shawna R. Calhoun
- Center for Outcomes Resarch, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shivani A. Shah
- Center for Outcomes Resarch, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Leonard Charles Bailey
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rochelle Bagatell
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey H. Silber
- Center for Outcomes Resarch, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Health Care Management, Wharton School, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Eric Tai
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lamia P. Barakat
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Conducting Psychosocial Intervention Research among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: Lessons from the PRISM Randomized Clinical Trial. CHILDREN-BASEL 2019; 6:children6110117. [PMID: 31652895 PMCID: PMC6915330 DOI: 10.3390/children6110117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer have poor psychosocial outcomes, in part because their limited participation in clinical trials precludes intervention-testing. We previously reported results of a successful randomized trial testing an AYA-targeted psychosocial intervention. Here, we aimed to describe strategies learned during the trial's conduct. METHODS We summarized data from the medical record and staff field notes regarding reasons for participation/non-participation. We conducted two focus groups with study staff; directed content analyses identified strategies for success. RESULTS 92 AYAs enrolled (77% of approached; n = 50 Usual Care (control), n = 49 PRISM (intervention)). In eligible families who declined participation (n = 22 AYAs, n = 8 parents), the AYAs more commonly had advanced cancer (n = 11 (37%) declined vs. n = 25 (26%) enrolled). AYA reasons for non-enrollment were predominantly "not interested"; parents worried participation was "too burdensome." Staff strategies for accrual included having significant time to introduce the study and underscoring a desire to learn from the patient. After enrollment, AYAs who discontinued participation were more commonly assigned to control (n = 5 (10%) control vs. n = 2 (4%) intervention). Only n = 1 AYA chose to discontinue participation after receiving the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to engage AYAs prior to and during studies may help with accrual and retention.
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