@article {3463, title = {Attitudes and beliefs toward biobehavioural research participation: voices and concerns of urban adolescent females receiving outpatient mental health treatment.}, journal = {Annals of human biology}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Jul 3}, abstract = {Abstract Background: Biobehavioural research methodology can be invasive and burdensome for participants - particularly adolescents with mental illnesses. Human biological researchers should consider how methodological impositions may hinder adolescent research participation. However, literature on adolescent{\textquoteright}s voices and concerns toward biobehavioural research participation is virtually non-existent. Aim: This study was designed to determine adolescents{\textquoteright} perceptions of participation in research involving the collection of biomarkers via blood, saliva and/or urine samples. Subjects and methods: Urban adolescent females (aged 12-19) receiving outpatient mental health treatment (n = 37) participated in focus groups with concurrent survey administration to explore attitudes, beliefs and willingness/intentions toward biobehavioural research participation. Results: Participants had favourable attitudes toward biobehavioural research and were amenable to provide each specimen type. Mistrust for research emerged, however, and concerns related to privacy and confidentiality were expressed. Conclusion: Participant recruitment is a critical component in study design and implementation; this includes knowledge of population-specific recruitment barriers and facilitators. This innovative paper provides a context for the research participants{\textquoteright} decision-making process, strategies to allay fears and concerns and concrete areas to target in research-related interventions. Although the findings are from a specific, US-based sample, the implications warrant replication of the research in other geosocial settings.}, issn = {1464-5033}, doi = {10.1007/s11606-013-2346-z}, author = {Brawner, Bridgette M and Volpe, Ellen M and Stewart, Jennifer M and Gomes, Melissa M} }