Ethnic minority representation in UK COVID-19 trials: systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted health disparities affecting ethnic minority communities. There is growing concern about the lack of diversity in clinical trials. This study aimed to assess the representation of ethnic groups in UK-based COVID-19 randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken. A search strategy was developed for MEDLINE (Ovid) and Google Scholar (1st January 2020-4th May 2022). Prospective COVID-19 RCTs for vaccines or therapeutics that reported UK data separately with a minimum of 50 participants were eligible. Search results were independently screened, and data extracted into proforma. Percentage of ethnic groups at all trial stages was mapped against Office of National Statistics (ONS)

SUBMITTER: Murali M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10049782 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature