This study is unique in that it attempted to highlight factors associated with the participation of African Americans in health-related research as well the processes, outcomes, and principles of informed decision making. The findings suggest the need for research that further examines factors presumed to be associated with the involvement of African Americans in health-related genetic research. The most important appears to be the need for research that explores the manner and extent to which African Americans are informed about the benefits, risks, and utility of genetic testing; research that explores the manner and extent to which African Americans are informed and afforded the opportunity to participate in health-related genetic research; and research that explores the manner and extent to which the decisions of African American men and women relative to participation in health-related genetic research (as assured during the consenting process) are supported. The findings also suggest that the need for strategies to better inform African Americans of opportunities to contribute health information and biological specimens to biorepositories and to better engage researchers and health care providers in efforts
