Achieving Racial Representation in Food Allergy Research: A Modified Delphi Study

Background: The overrepresentation of White participants in food allergy research contributes to the development of research questions and interventions not driven by those disproportionately affected by the condition. This ultimately limits the generalizability of research findings and affects the development of knowledge about food allergy and food allergy management. Objective: To develop recommendations to combat inequitable research paradigms and increase participation of racially underrepresented populations in food allergy research. Methods: This study used a modified consensus development method, known as a Delphi method, to assemble the expertise of food allergy clinicians, advocacy leaders, community-engaged researchers, and patients. Results: Findings resulted in 18 recommendations within four domains: community partnership, intentional engagement and messaging, recruitment activities, and dissemination. Conclusions: Findings from this study provide food allergy researchers with specific recommendations for examining their efforts more critically toward recruiting and engaging with racially underrepresented populations, effectively transitioning from a research-on to a research-with relationship with individuals and families living with food allergy.