Studies have found that factors that facilitate participation in genetic research include respect of community, authentic collaboration, bidirectional education,88,89 including community members in the recruitment process, transparency, and the potential for meaningful benefits.88,89 As with medical research in general, establishing interpersonal trust between the researchers and the community is one of the major factors in engaging AAs. Effective strategies in establishing trust include collaboration with the community through a community advisory board and conducting community-based participatory action research.90 It is recommended that future studies investigate the facilitators of engaging African Americans specifically alcohol genetic research since there may be unique factors associated with participation in genetic research on a disorder with an associated stigma.
