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Investigator racial diversity and clinical trial participation

Author

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  • Alsan, Marcella
  • Campbell, Romaine A.
  • Leister, Lukas
  • Ojo, Ayotomiwa

Abstract

We investigate whether increased racial diversity of clinical trial principal investigators could increase the enrollment of Black patients, which currently lags population and disease-burden. We conducted a survey experiment in which respondents were shown a photo of a current NIH investigator in which race (Black/White) was randomized. Sex was also randomized as a relevant benchmark. Black respondents reported 0.35 standard deviation units higher interest in participating in a clinical study led by a race concordant investigator (a 12.6% increase). Sex concordance had no effect. Further analyses indicate that perceived trustworthiness and attractiveness are the most important factors explaining these results.

Suggested Citation

  • Alsan, Marcella & Campbell, Romaine A. & Leister, Lukas & Ojo, Ayotomiwa, 2025. "Investigator racial diversity and clinical trial participation," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:100:y:2025:i:c:s0167629625000025
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2025.102968
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Diversity; Equity; Clinical trials; Innovation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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