Despite progress in cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, Black adults in the USA still face higher rates of premature CVD death compared to white adults. According to Dr. LaPrincess C. Brewer and Joshua J. Joseph of the Cobb Institute, this disparity is rooted in systemic inequities and a lack of access to clinical trials for Black communities.
Their commentary published in Nature highlights several reasons for this lack of inclusion. Many clinical trials fail to prioritize Black participant enrollment, and there’s a general absence of accountability for achieving diversity in research.
This negligence stems from a history of unethical research practices that has fostered a deep mistrust of clinical research among Black communities. Examples like the Tuskegee Study and the forced sterilization of women from minority groups are cited as reasons for this skepticism.
The consequences of the lack of Blacks in clinical trials
The lack of Black representation in cardiovascular clinical trials has significant downstream effects. Firstly, researchers miss crucial opportunities to understand and address the specific health concerns identified by Black communities themselves.
Secondly, the underrepresentation of Black patients creates a gap in data on how they respond to various medical therapies. This lack of data hinders the development of tailored solutions to improve cardiovascular care for Black communities, who are most in need. Ultimately, the absence of Black voices in research allows existing health disparities to persist and prevents the development of effective treatment strategies specifically designed for Black patients.
Furthermore, the lack of Black researchers and healthcare professionals in leadership roles discourages participation from Black communities. This lack of diversity hinders researchers’ understanding of the challenges faced by Black patients, further limiting efforts to increase enrollment.
A Legacy of Unethical Research on Black Americans
Deep mistrust permeates Black communities due to a history of unethical research practices. The Tuskegee Study of Untreated
