Introduction: There are growing efforts to recruit and retain individuals from various populations in clinical trials to increase trial representativeness.Nonetheless, these challenges can hamper the development of clinical trials, contributing to increased inequities.This study explored the barriers and facilitators of participating in a mobile health trial designed to improve blood pressure (BP) among Blacks with uncontrolled hypertension from underserved communities.Methods: Participants were recruited from a larger mHealth clinical trial, MI-BP, across emergency departments, mobile health units, and community-based settings.We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to quantitatively examine participants' experiences with the MI-BP trial including satisfaction and reasons for dropping out.The qualitative semi-structured interviews expanded on participant experiences based on the quantitative results.Quantitative and qualitative results were integrated to provide a more comprehensive understanding.Results: Fifty-two participants completed the survey and a subset of 22 were interviewed.There were no statistically significant differences on reasons for joining the MI-BP study regardless of study completion.Participants were generally motivated to learn about ways to improve their BP, with many noting positive experiences, including completers and noncompleters.Some who dropped out indicated meeting their goal of lowering their BP.Despite a robust consent process, some in the non-completer group reported not understanding certain components of the study compared to the completer group.Additional barriers included concerns over adverse effects and missing worktime. Conclusion:Findings illuminate the barriers and facilitators participants encountered in the MI-BP trial and provides considerations for reducing barriers among this population.
Perez et al. (Wed,) studied this question.