Mr Richard Larsen1
1Barwon Health
Background
The population of most Western nations consist of multiple ethnic groups, many of whom are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Over one fifth (21%) of the Australian population speak a language other than English at home. Despite this, there remains an underrepresentation of CALD participants in research. Reasons for this include: lack of funding to hire translators, willingness of those from CALD backgrounds to participate, and time constraints preventing more widespread recruitment processes.
Discussion
This study aimed to assess the extent of and reasons for inclusion and exclusion of people from CALD backgrounds in research projects undertaken at a regional Australian hospital. Two modes of exclusion were identified: checkbox selection on the NEAF/HREA, and/or a statement in the application indicating that sufficient English is required to obtain informed consent.
An analysis of the NEAF/HREA from 2015 – 2020 was conducted to determine the inclusion and exclusion of CALD participants in research projects. Each document contains sections where investigators designate how CALD participants will be recruited and the ethical implications if they elect to exclude them.
Conclusion
Despite increasing awareness and multiple research reviews addressing underrepresentation, our results indicate that a significant number of research studies continue to exclude CALD participants. While submission forms and HRECs encourage researchers to address this bias, current approaches have not adequately lessened the issue. We discuss additional methods to improve the inclusion of underrepresented people in health research.
Biography:
Bio to come