282 Perceptions and experiences of dementia research among Arab Americans

Objectives/Goals: A participatory mixed methods study was conducted to examine Arab Americans’ attitudes toward clinical dementia research and identify the cultural and contextual factors that influence their participation. Methods/Study Population: A community council partnered with the study team to conduct this study. Arab American adults ( N = 51) completed a modified version of the Research Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ-7) assessing views of clinical dementia research. Mean item scores and frequencies were analyzed. A subsample of participants ( N = 11) participated in focus groups to further explore the factors that influence their attitudes toward research and barriers and facilitators to participation. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed to contextualize survey findings. Results/Anticipated Results: Participants reported highly positive attitudes toward dementia research (M=3.96–4.29/5), with >80% agreeing that clinical dementia research is safe and important. Most endorsed a collective responsibility to volunteer for dementia research (90%) and had confidence in the protection of their information (88%). Yet 98% had never participated in dementia research (2% unsure). Focus groups revealed that their lack of participation is largely explained by structural and systemic barriers, including the absence of Arabic-language studies, transportation, misalignment with community priorities, and the broader political context shaping their health experiences and trust in institutions. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This study demonstrates that despite having positive attitudes toward clinical dementia research, Arab Americans do not enroll in studies. Findings underscore the need for transformative models of research, such as community engaged approaches, that may better address barriers to participation.