Under-representation of minority ethnic groups in cardiovascular research: a semi-structured interview study

BACKGROUND: Minority ethnic groups are often excluded from research, and the reasons for this are complex. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore why minority ethnic groups do not participate in research, and how their participation can be increased. METHODS: Ninety-one interviews were undertaken with people who either had (n = 48) or had not (n = 43) responded to the invitation to take part in a community heart failure screening study. These were split across four ethnic groups (African Caribbean, Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani) and between men and women. Participants were interviewed once, face-to-face, either in English or with an interpreter if they wished. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically. RESULTS: The main reason for participating in the screening study was…