Intergenerational Influence of African American, Caribbean and Hispanic/Latino Adults Regarding Decision to Participate in Health-Related Research

Res Aging. 2024 Aug-Sep;46(7-8):414-425. doi: 10.1177/01640275241229411. Epub 2024 Feb 15.

Abstract

Introduction: Identifying effective strategies to enroll African American, Caribbean, and Hispanic/Latino adults ≥65 years of age in health research is a public health priority. This study aimed to explore intergenerational influence (IGI) among these populations living throughout Florida. Methods: African American, Caribbean, and Hispanic/Latino adults ≥65 years of age and a trusted family member/friend between 25-64 years participated in virtual listening sessions (LS). Culturally matched facilitators used a semi-structured guide to lead LS that was recorded, transcribed, and uploaded into NVivo©. The constant comparative method was used for analysis. Results: 363 African American, Caribbean, and Hispanic/Latino participated in LS. Five (5) themes relate to IGI emerged: (1) parent-child relationships; (2) family caregiving/parental illness experiences; (3) historical research maltreatment; (4) transfer of cultural knowledge; and (5) future generations. Discussion: Our findings support that IGI can be leveraged to increase the participation of African American, Caribbean, and Hispanic/Latino older adults in health research.

Keywords: ethnically diverse adults; intergenerational influence; listening sessions; research decision making.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomedical Research
  • Black or African American* / psychology
  • Caribbean People / psychology
  • Decision Making
  • Female
  • Florida
  • Hispanic or Latino* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Intergenerational Relations* / ethnology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parent-Child Relations / ethnology