Awareness and knowledge of the U.S. Public Health Service syphilis study at Tuskegee: implications for biomedical research

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2006 Nov;17(4):716-33. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2006.0130.

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to collect and interpret the findings of all published qualitative or quantitative research that assessed African Americans' 1) general awareness and/or specific knowledge of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Syphilis Study at Tuskegee, and 2) attitudes towards and/or willingness to participate in biomedical research. An exhaustive review of the literature produced eight articles that fit the aforementioned selection criteria. All articles that assessed both awareness and knowledge found that familiarity with the USPHS Syphilis Study at Tuskegee did not necessarily ensure accurate knowledge of it. Four studies also found that awareness of the USPHS Syphilis Study at Tuskegee did not relate to willingness to participate in biomedical research. In addition to awareness and knowledge of the USPHS Syphilis Study at Tuskegee, published studies suggest that a broad array of structural and sociocultural factors influence minorities' willingness to participate in biomedical studies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health*
  • Awareness*
  • Biomedical Research / methods*
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Ethics, Research
  • Humans
  • Syphilis*
  • Trust
  • United States
  • United States Public Health Service*