Is Participating in a Health Study for You?

Are you a part of a health study or clinical trial?


As mentioned in my earlier post, "Risk Factors for Fibroids in Black Women," not enough black women are participating in health studies for researchers and investigators to fully study and present solid results on the things that affect us (i.e. fibroids)


I have been part of the Black Women's Health Study for a number of years now.  99.9% of my participation has been through completing a questionnaire every 2 years.  Perhaps it was only once that I was requested to provide a saliva sample.  A couple of years ago, I found out that one of my aunt's has been part of this study.  I did not feel that the study was intrusive at all.


When I spoke to Dr. Wise at the summit to let her know I had been part of the study for some time, she was elated and thanked me for my participation.  Many of the doctors and researchers there stressed the need for participation of African-American women in studies.

Unfortunately, the BWHS cannot invite you to take part in the study. Due to the study design, only the 59,000 women who enrolled in the study in 1995 can participate.

The Black Women's Health Study had a prospective cohort of 59,000 black women ages 21-69 at 1995 (baseline year)

• Postal questionnaires were sent to Essence magazine subscribers.
• Baseline: demographic and lifestyle factors; reproductive and medical history
• Data is updated  every 2 years
• Cohort retention is greater than 80%

This is the study that I am familiar with, but I am sure there are others.  Check out the website at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and think about how you can participate to help improve the health of black women.  


Talk to your doctor as she/he may be aware of trials or research that may be of interest or benefit to you.  


While clinical trials can lead to the development of medicines (which I still believe eating right, exercise and thoughts can/will heal), they also play a part in finding ways to prevent a disease all together.  Finding out why a disease occurs in the first place.

Call BWHS's toll free number is 1-800-786-0814.  Someone may be able to refer you to an on-going study.


Also, check out this NIEHS website for more information about fibroid studies and fibroids.

There is so much information out there.  Do your homework and definitely talk to your health care provider/partner.  If you do decide that participating in a health study is right for you, make sure it is one that you are comfortable with.