6596 Background: Many breast cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which warrant rigorous evaluation of the safety and efficacy of these therapies. As with conventional cancer treatment studies, researchers face challenges in accruing patients to CAM trials. This study aims to identify the factors associated with willingness to participate (WTP) in a trial evaluating use of acupuncture for arthralgia among breast cancer patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among outpatient postmenopausal breast cancer patients who were receiving aromatase inhibitors. Self-reported WTP in an acupuncture trial was used as the main outcome variable. Expectation towards acupuncture efficacy was measured using a previously validated Acupuncture Expectancy Scale. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with WTP. Results: 300 patients participated (92% response rate), with a mean age of 61 ± 10 years, 252 (84%) White, and 38 (13%) Black. Of the participants, 148 (49.8%) reported WTP in an acupuncture trial should they be offered an opportunity for such research. In a multivariate model, higher likelihood of WTP was associated with having a college education, adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 3.78 (1.83–7.81); having previous radiation therapy 2.02 (1.13–3.62); and current experience of arthralgia 2.36 (1.11–4.98). Positive expectancy of acupuncture outcome was also associated with greater likelihood of WTP 1.20 (1.12–1.28). Age and race were not predictors of WTP in the multivariate model. Conclusions: Almost half of the outpatient breast cancer patients expressed WTP in an acupuncture clinical trial for arthralgia. Higher education, previous radiation therapy, current experience of arthralgia, and positive expectancy related to acupuncture may affect breast cancer patients’ willingness to participate in an acupuncture trial for arthralgia. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Factors associated with willingness to participate in a vaccine clinical trial among elderly Hispanic patients
