 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Katina A. Pappas-DeLuca, MA1, Joan Marie Kraft, PhD1, and Sherri Linise Murry, PhD2. (1) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop K-34, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, 770-488-6388, kdp5@cdc.gov, (2) Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma University, 940 NE 13th Street, Room 3308, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Objective: To identify, describe, and suggest strategies for overcoming barriers to recruitment and retention in couples interventions and couples research.
Methods: The recruitment process was initiated through women. Venues included college campuses, clinics, malls, health fairs, and housing developments, amongst others. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with project personnel involved in recruitment and retention to elicit their perceptions of effective and ineffective strategies. Site-specific differences related to target population and/or recruitment and retention strategies were explored. Qualitative data were analyzed by coding major themes regarding barriers and facilitators for couples recruitment and retention. Project-tracking data allowed for an exploration of differences in characteristics of women who consented to screening and either did or did not complete the study.
Results: Lessons learned on effective strategies emphasize the importance of: 1) Identifying and working with trusted community partners to build on the reputation of the project; 2) Making personal contact prior to enrollment with male partners of recruited women; 3) Involving past participants in recruitment efforts; 4) Maintaining contact with participants to answer questions about and encourage continued interest in the project; 5) Distinguishing between research and intervention components of the project for participants; 6) Utilizing a variety of creative strategies for recruitment
Conclusion: While possible to recruit couples for interventions, the sensitive nature of the topic and need to provide outreach to both members of the couple increase recruitment challenges. Attention to the concerns of partners, timely communication, and partnerships with trusted community groups can increase recruitment and retention.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: HIV Interventions,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.