3029 Willingness to Engage in a Statewide Virtual Community for Biomedical Research

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Virtual communities are an untested method to enhance community engagement in biomedical research. Our CTSA Hubs collaborated to assess receptivity to engage in a statewide Facebook (FB) group. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Cross-sectional online survey administered via iPads at the MN State Fair in 2018 to adults aged 18+ years residing in MN assessed demographics, social media use, interest in participating in a FB group for biomedical research; and open-ended questions on health topics of interest, and what would keep people engaged in this group. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Respondents (N=487) were 21% racial minorities and 65% female sex. Most (87%, n=422) had created a personal FB profile. Of these, the proportion who agreed/strongly agreed was: 57% that the FB group sounded interesting, 45% were interested in being part of it, 41% were willing to share it with others, 62% that it would allow the community’s thoughts/ideas to be heard and 59% wanted to learn about opportunities to participate in research on health topics they care about. Using content analysis, the top 3 health topics people wanted to learn about were chronic disease and prevention, wellness, and mental health. Top ways to keep people engaged were providing personable, relevant health information; and interactive bi-directional discussions. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Findings will inform development of a FB group to engage diverse populations in biomedical research.