You are here:
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ISSUES FOR A LARGE LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Citation:
Gilboa, S., P Mendola, AND D. T. LOBDELL. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ISSUES FOR A LARGE LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. Presented at 37th Annual Society for Epidemiologic Research Meeting, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 15-18, 2004.
Description:
Recruitment and Retention Issues for a Large Longitudinal Study of Children's Environmental Health *D Lobdell, S Gilboa, P Mendola (US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711)
An understanding of the most effective recruitment techniques and retention strategies for longitudinal, community-based, children's environmental health studies such as the National Children's Study (NCS) is needed. Eighteen focus groups were conducted across the United States in February 2003 to address these issues. Pregnant women and expectant couples, parents of disabled and non-disabled children, healthcare providers, and community leaders participated. The need for monetary incentives for participation and retention was a common theme, but opinions differed regarding the appropriate amount of money and timing of incentives. All pregnant and parent groups agreed that their physician's office would be the best place to hear about the NCS. Concerns were voiced regarding invasion of privacy, children's safety, collection of biologic samples, and undue interruption in the lives of both parents and children. Venous blood samples and baby teeth were the biologic samples that caused the most concern and most participants were not opposed to genetic testing. 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 with planning 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.