UCLIC behavioural scientist explores barriers to dementia research

It is well known that individuals from Black and South Asian heritage are shockingly under-represented in dementia research and clinical trials, even though they are at higher risk of developing the syndrome at earlier ages and die younger from it. With the aim to understand why researchers struggle to recruit such populations, Dr Hossain conducted a behaviour change analysis of focus group and survey data.

The analysis results informed the design of the main materials/discussion points used in a historic multi-stakeholder workshop held in July 2024 that brought together community members, NHS staff, grant funders and researchers. Participants expanded on the behavioural barriers and co-developed digital and offline strategies. A research paper is currently being written focusing on the significance of these findings.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of some real change!

You can follow the outputs of the project here: https://www.eworkresearch.org/portfolio/promoting-inclusive-research-practices/