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RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ISSUES FOR A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Citation:
LOBDELL, D. T., S. Gilboa, AND P Mendola. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ISSUES FOR A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. Presented at 36th Annual Meeting of Society of Epidemiologic Research(SER), Atlanta, GA, June 12-14, 2003.
Description:
A better understanding of the most effective recruitment techniques and retention strategies for longitudinal, community-based, children's environmental health studies is needed. A series of 18 focus groups were conducted across the U.S. in February 2003. Pregnant women and expectant couples, parents of disabled and non-disabled children, healthcare providers, and community leaders discussed recruitment and retention strategies. The need for monetary incentives for participation and retention was a common theme for all stakeholders, but there was divergence on the appropriate amount of money and timing of incentives. Venous blood samples and baby teeth were the biologic samples that caused the most concern among parents and pregnant women. Collection of other samples - placenta, hair, urine was generally acceptable in these groups. Most were not opposed to genetic testing. For recruitment, most pregnant women and parents felt the study should emphasize both individual as well as overall public health benefits and that both components would influence their willingness to enroll their child. Health care providers noted concerns about liability issues and suggested strategies to involve routine practice with research activities. Community leaders wanted to be informed partners with the research team and wanted input throughout study planning and implementation. Focus group results will help plan and design protocols to maximize participation while minimizing selection bias and loss to follow-up.
This is an abstract of a proposed presentation and does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.