Participation of Latine Individuals in Clinical HIV Research in the United States: Community Engagement, Language, and Communication

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26439/comunica360.2025.n3.8161

Keywords:

health communication, HIV clinical research, Latinos, language access, limited English proficiency

Abstract

Latine individuals in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV yet remain underrepresented in clinical research. Language barriers, cultural differences, and recruitment practices limit participation, especially for those with limited English proficiency. Using a qualitative design, the study conducted one focus group and 22 in-depth interviews with investigators, community educators and recruiters, and clinical staff from 15 NIH-funded HIV research sites. Recruitment strategies already in use across sites emphasized community engagement and culturally tailored messaging. However, English-language requirements for clinical research participation, lack of bilingual staff, and limited translated materials hindered Latinx enrollment. Sites with bilingual staff and culturally adapted translations reported greater community trust and engagement. The study found that language access is essential for equitable HIV clinical trial participation. Recommendations include early integration of language access in study design, hiring bilingual staff, budgeting for translations, and partnering with multilingual communities to improve inclusivity. 

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Author Biographies

  • Pedro Goicochea, University of Washington Center for AIDS Research Office of Community Engagement

    Master of Science in Health Promotion from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Master of Science in Communication Strategies from the Graduate School of the University of Lima. Independent researcher and consultant for the Office of Community Engagement at the Center for AIDS Research at the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

  • Alison Cardinal, Universidad de Washington

    She holds a PhD in Language and Rhetoric from the University of Washington in Tacoma, a Master's degree in English Studies from Western Washington University, and a Bachelor's degree in English and Theology from Whitworth University. She is an associate professor at the University of Washington in Tacoma, in the Department of Culture, Arts, and Communication, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. She is the director of the Design for Language Access program.

  • Rafael González, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

    Bachelor of Psychology from San Francisco State University. She is a senior project manager for community engagement in the Office of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

  • Michele Andrasik, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

    She holds a PhD and a Master's degree in Psychology from the University of Miami. She also holds a Master's degree in Health Education from Teachers College at Columbia University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from New York University. She is the Director of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Community Engagement at the HIV Vaccine Clinical Trials Network. She is a staff scientist at the HIV Vaccine Clinical Trials Network Operations Center and the Immunology and Vaccine Development Program in the Office of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. She is an affiliated professor in the Global Health Program and a professor of Environmental Science and Occupational Health at the University of Washington.

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Published

2025-12-18

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No. 3 (2025)

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Comunicación y Salud pública

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Participation of Latine Individuals in Clinical HIV Research in the United States: Community Engagement, Language, and Communication. (2025). Comunica360°, 3, 57-79. https://doi.org/10.26439/comunica360.2025.n3.8161