Outcomes
The diminishing participation of AAs in genomic research and other
health-related studies have led to growing concerns about health
disparities, particularly among AAs and other ethnic minority
populations. Lower- and middle-income level participants in AA-only
studies yielded the highest rankings (see Figures 4, 5, and 6).
Lower-income participants earning $45,200 were evident in Buseh et al.,
2010; Edwards et al., 2008; Gordon et al., 2008; McDonald et al., 2012;
McDonald et al., 2014; Pettey et al. 2015; Rodgers et al., 2015; Still
et al., 2014; and Sussner et al., 2009. Income levels were adapted to
model national household income guidelines of the Pew Research Center
Report (Kochhar, 2018) and were classified as lower-income (representing
less than $45,200), middle-income (representing $45,200-$135,600),
and upper-income (representing more than $135,600). Researchers found
disparities were specific to education in that research participants who
were White and had a college education were more likely to participate
in genomic-related health research (Henderson et al., 2008; Amiri et
al., 2014; Gill et al., 2012; Lemke et al., 2010). Education and income
data were grouped by populations. See Table 2. Education levels ranged
from completed less than high school education to attended or completed
college education. Education data illustrated in Figure 2 represents
self-reported data collected during the research viewpoint assessment.
Aggregate educational level data exclusively focused on AA viewpoints
averaged 5% for less than high school education completed, 17% for
completion of high school education, and 15% for completion of college
education or higher. Aggregate educational level data across studies
that focused on viewpoints from mixed ethnic minority populations
averaged 6% for less than high school education completed, 17% for
completion of high school education, and 15% for either attending
college or completing college education.