Recruitment of participants is considered one of the most difficult tasks in clinical and behavioral research trials. As part of a study funded by NIMH, we undertook the recruitment of fathers and their sons for an HIV prevention intervention. The recruitment is being conducted in collaboration with a community based organization that is collaborating with the implementation of the project. The purpose of this poster session is to describe the particular challenges associated with the recruitment of men into a behavioral research study, to describe the process used to determine the most appropriate recruitment strategies, and to present an evaluation of the strategies that are being used. Briefly, focus groups were conducted with members of the target population and interviews were conducted with members of the CBO and experts in fatherhood projects to solicit ideas for recruitment strategies. The strategies that were deemed most likely to foster enrollment include providing a good meal, financial incentives, and transportation and babysitting assistance if needed. Project visibility and promotion were also noted to be important, and the poster will describe how these were incorporated into the recruitment plan. In addition, information will be presented on staff selection and training and the management of a successful recruitment effort. The results of an evaluation of the recruitment strategies will be presented.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: 1.) To describe challenges when recruiting African-American fathers. 2.) To identify three recruitment strategies use to recruit African -American fathers. 3.) To discuss the importance of staff training when developing a recruitment team.
Keywords: Behavioral Research, HIV Interventions
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.