DOES RESEARCH TOPIC OF INTEREST DIFFER BY GENDER AND RACE/ETHNICITY? RESULTS FROM THE NORTEX REGISTRY PROJECT.

This study is being conducted to assess the difference in research interest between race and gender. Ultimately this will help the NorTex researchers to conduct research in the areas of interest to the community. Purpose (a): NorTex is a collaboration of over 110 clinics that conduct research important to primary care, public health, and the community. The purpose of the NorTex Registry Project (NRP) is to develop and maintain a database of individuals who may be contacted for future NorTex studies. The current study examined gender and racial/ethnic differences in research topics of interest for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental health among NRP participants. Methods (b): Patients 18 years or older at participating clinics may complete a 4X6 index card (English or Spanish) giving permission to be contacted for NorTex studies. Index cards include contact information, demographic information, medical problems, and topics on which the participant would like more research conducted. Chi-square analysis was performed to determine differences in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health research interest by gender and race/ethnicity. Results (c): The NRP includes a total of 1285 participants. Of these, 901(70.1%) are female, 470(36.6%) are Caucasian, 409(31.8%) African American, 297(23.1%) Hispanic, and 109(8.5%) other. 265(76.6%) males and 612(68.3%) females (p=0.004) are interested in cardiovascular disease (CVD) research. 189(54.6%) males and 417(46.5%) females are interested in diabetes research (p=0.011). Racial/ethnic differences exist for interest in diabetes (p<0.001) and mental health (p=0.001) research. No other differences were observed. Conclusions (d): There is a significant difference in research interest between races/ethnicities for diabetes and mental health. Gender differences exist for interest in cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These findings will allow NorTex to conduct research in areas of interest to the community.