American Indian Culture and Research Journal

Native Americans have been underrepresented in previous studies of biomedical research participants. This paper reports a qualitative interview study of Native Americans' perspectives on biomedical research. In-depth interviews were conducted with 53 members of a Southwest tribal community. Many interviewees viewed biomedical research studies as a necessary source of health care, particularly for chronic disease prevention and management. While interviewees viewed biomedical research on diabetes as critical for ensuring their community's future survival, they also mistrusted both research and health care. Community members' complex perceptions of research were rooted in painful historical events, such as forced sterilization of Native women.