Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be debilitating and place a significant burden on patients, their families, employers, and the government.
While genetics and health inequities do play a role in the development and progression of RA, social issues, such as lack of family and friend support, can also play a role in the progression of the disease.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center want to learn more about how social and genetic factors affect RA in Latinos, who often face social issues when it comes to health.
You can help by participating in a clinical trial no matter where you live in the US!
Rheumatoid Arthritis Study Qualifications
To be eligible for this clinical trial, you must be age 18 or older and of Hispanic/Latino heritage.
You may have RA or RA symptoms, and you may also have a relative or partner with RA or RA symptoms.
You must be able to speak English or Spanish and be able to give written informed consent.
What Does the Rheumatoid Arthritis Study Involve?
Participants will receive an email or text with a link to a 30-minute online survey. They will answer questions about these topics:
- Physical and emotional health
- How health problems affect their life
- Family history of RA and other conditions
- Cultural identity and language preference
This survey can also be completed via a phone call or an in-person interview.
Participants will also be asked if they want to invite their family and friends to participate in the trial.
If more than one person from a participant’s family takes part in the study, they may be invited for an interview to answer questions about how arthritis pain affects their mind and body.
Participants will also be asked to give a sample of saliva by spitting into a vial. They will mail the sample to the research facility using a prepaid label.
There is no cost to participate, and compensation will be provided.
To get involved, contact Dr. Jielu Lin of NIH at 301-443-1272 or [email protected].
Learn more about this clinical trial!
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation in the lining of the joints.
RA can also damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, and heart and blood vessels, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Studies show health outcomes improve if RA is diagnosed and treated soon after experiencing symptoms.
However, if not treated early, RA can lead to significant long-term disability and increased risk of mortality.
Rheumatoid Arthritis in Latinos
Unfortunately, due to health inequities, such as lack of health insurance and language barriers, there is a significant delay in seeking treatment in low-income and minority patients, such as Latinos.
This delayed care can lead to more severe RA symptoms, and a higher chance for disability and chronic health problems.
When health inequities are present, social support from family and friends can be especially helpful in getting RA patients the treatment they need.
Through the work of this trial, NIH researchers can better understand how social support may persuade people to seek treatment earlier.
Latinos in Clinical Trials
Latinos are massively underrepresented in clinical trials for cancer, Alzheimer’s, and more, making it harder for researchers to find treatments tailored for this group.
Searching for the right clinical trial for you or someone in your familia?
Look no further than the Salud America! clinical trials page.
Our Salud America! team, led by Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez of UT Health San Antonio, is sharing open clinical trials and uplifting the voices and stories of Latinos who have participated in clinical trials to encourage Latinos to volunteer. This work is supported by a grant from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
“Latinos in clinical trials are not only helping themselves, but they’re also building a future with better treatments that can help their families in the future,” Ramirez said.
Visit the Salud America! clinical trials page to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you and your familia can participate.
Read more clinical trial stories!
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