Issues in the Recruitment and Retention of Aboriginal Health Research Participants in Canada
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction Historically, health research within Aboriginal communities was conducted by outsiders who, without appropriate oversight and understanding of the cultural differences, sometimes engaged in exploitive and even unethical behaviour. Over time, these practices considerably strained relations between researchers and Aboriginal peoples (First Nations Centre 2007). Historical examples of inappropriate behaviour by previous researchers are well-documented and include: individuals being pressured to participate in studies, the absence of informed consent, the collection and use of genetic material for inappropriate purposes, a general disregard of cultural norms and sensitivities, and the collection of information about traditional remedies for profit (Schnarch 2004). This situation was further exacerbated by studies with a purpose or implication inconsistent with the world view of Aboriginal peoples, the reporting of some harmful and misleading results, the conduct of studies with little or no positive impact, studies developed and conducted completely without community input, results that were not communicated to the participating community, and a suspicion that results could be used in ways that participants would not approve of (e.g., by the government for resource allocation). Further, research fatigue has been reported among Aboriginal peoples; in fact, some Aboriginal representatives have stated that their communities have been “researched to death” (Women’s Health Centre of Excellence 2005; Maar, Sutherland, and McGregor 2004). In light of these issues, it is not surprising that researchers frequently face skepticism and barriers when they attempt to study Aboriginal communities. Despite strained relations between researchers and Aboriginal communities, there is a need for health research and interventions specific to Aboriginal peoples, for information that can be used to measure changes (positive and negative) in the health status of Aboriginal peoples and communities, and for information that will lead to a greater understanding of the underlying framework that perpetuates health inequality. Research that is specific to Aboriginal peoples is also needed because there are a number of important differences between these peoples and the general Canadian population. Policy-makers cannot assume that
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Cancer Care Ontario
OpenAlex ID: W2546944923