Strategies to optimize the engagement of culturally and linguistically diverse populations in cardiac research: a systematic review.

Jason Talevski, Alison Beauchamp, Melissa Abou Chakra, Rebecca L Jessup, Denise Azar, Laveena Sharma, Audrey Gumanti, Michael Šeman

Journal: European journal of cardiovascular nursing 2025;24(4):500-519

PMID: 39813146

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Abstract

AIMS

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations remain underrepresented in cardiovascular disease (CVD) research despite their higher disease burden compared with non-CALD populations. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the available literature on strategies to engage CALD participants in CVD research.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched for literature up until May 2024. Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods studies were included if they focused on CVD research, included participants who identified as coming from a CALD background, and the study included a description of their recruitment strategies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and findings were analysed through a narrative synthesis. A total of 34 studies were included in this review, with the largest proportion conducted in the USA. The African American population was the most common CALD group. The most commonly used strategies to recruit CALD participants were strategically undertaking recruitment from places frequented by CALD communities; using CALD-specific promotional and advertisement material; offering monetary incentives; creating translated and jargon-free material; and improving staff diversity and cultural competency. The success of recruitment strategies was assessed in seven studies showing mostly positive results.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this review highlight cultural- and language-specific strategies that can be used to improve recruitment of CALD participants in CVD research. CALD communities must be included in CVD research to ensure cultural barriers are addressed when developing evidence-based CVD prevention guidelines.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42023473688.

Address: School of Rural Health, Monash University, 15 Sargeant St, Warragul, Victoria 3820, Australia.; Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, 631 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.; Northern Health, The Northern Hospital, 185 Cooper St, Epping, Victoria 3076, Australia.; School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia.; School of Rural Health, Monash University, 15 Sargeant St, Warragul, Victoria 3820, Australia.; Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, 631 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.; Department of Medicine-Western Health, The University of Melbourne, WCHRE Building, Level 3 / 176 Furlong Road, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia.; School of Rural Health, Monash University, 15 Sargeant St, Warragul, Victoria 3820, Australia.; Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, 631 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.; Ward 7B, Monash Health, Victorian Heart Hospital, 631 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.; School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, 288 Herston Rd, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.; School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.; Department of Cardiology, Alfred Health, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.; Department of Cardiology, Western Health, 176 Furlong Road, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia.; School of Rural Health, Monash University, 15 Sargeant St, Warragul, Victoria 3820, Australia.; Northern Health, The Northern Hospital, 185 Cooper St, Epping, Victoria 3076, Australia.; Department of Medicine-Western Health, The University of Melbourne, WCHRE Building, Level 3 / 176 Furlong Road, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia.; School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia.; School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (IPAN), Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.

DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvaf007

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Cultural Diversity, Cardiovascular Diseases, Patient Selection, Cultural Competency, Biomedical Research