Barriers to eligibility and enrollment among older women in a clinical trial on osteoporosis: effects of ethnicity and SES.

Objectives: The study examined whether ethnicity or socioeconomic status influenced a group's ability to meet eligibility criteria and willingness to enroll.

Method: The eligibility and enrollment status of 904 women aged 65 years and older who responded to recruitment efforts of an estrogen and osteoporosis clinical trial were analyzed.

Results: Among women screened, 59% were White, 27% African Americans, and 14% Hispanics; average age was 75 years; 57.6% were eligible, of which 32% enrolled. High-income area residents were more likely to be eligible than low-income residents. African Americans were less likely to be eligible for medical reasons than non-African Americans. Eligible Hispanics were more likely to be enrolled than non-Hispanics. African Americans were equally willing to enroll as Whites. Minority residents of low-income areas were more likely to enroll than minority residents of high-income areas.

Discussion: Recruitment efforts should address barriers to eligibility and barriers to willingness to enroll.