African American children's perceptions of HIV-focused community-based participatory research.

ABSTRACT

We examined factors influencing informed assent, initial involvement, and ongoing involvement in HIV-focused CBPR research for African American children. Study participants (n = 170) were recruited from the Collaborative HIV and Adolescent Mental Health Project and completed an interview format designed to assess attitudes about research activities. Data were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Three themes emerged via quantitative and qualitative data analysis: (1) motivation for the child to participate in the research; (2) trust in researchers; and (3) understanding of the informed assent process. Findings from this study can help researchers develop procedures facilitating ethics boards to assess the appropriateness of child assent in HIV-focused community-based participatory research.