Abstract WMP95: Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Retention of Minorities: Findings From the Secondary Stroke Prevention by Uniting Community and Chronic Care Model Teams Early to End Disparities (SUCCEED) Trial

Abstract

Background: Minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals are underrepresented in secondary stroke prevention trials. Little is known about factors associated with study retention in these populations. Objective: To evaluate the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on retention in the Secondary stroke prevention by Uniting Community and Chronic care model teams Early to End Disparities (SUCCEED) trial. Methods: 487 participants ≥40 years with stroke/TIA were recruited from 4 safety-net hospitals and 1 stroke center serving low income zip codes. Strategies for boosting retention included: having bilingual research assistants from similar cultures establish rapport and follow participants; culturally and linguistically tailoring materials; arranging visits around participants’ schedules; offering transportation, and conducting assessments in the home and community. We compared sociodemographic characteristics among those retained at 12 months (n=412) vs. those not retained (n=75) using t-test, Chi Square, and Fisher exact tests. Independent factors associated with retention were determined using logistic regression. Results: Average age was 57 years, 18% were black, 71% were Hispanic, 58% were Spanish-speaking, and 72% were born outside the US. 12-month retention was 85%. On bivariate analysis, factors associated with retention were: Spanish-speaking, Hispanic ethnicity, younger age, born outside the US, and married status (all p<0.05). After multivariate analysis, study site, younger age (<64 vs ≥65 years OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1,4.4), married status (OR 2.0, 1.0,4.2), government insurance (vs uninsured OR 25.1, 1.2,5.1), private insurance (vs uninsured, OR 4.6, 1.3,16.4), and inability to afford medical care (OR 2.9, 1.3,6.7) were associated with retention. Discussion: In this secondary prevention trial of stroke survivors from predominantly minority backgrounds, younger age, marriage, and insurance were associated with retention, suggesting that addressing barriers in the elderly, and those without insurance or spousal support may be beneficial. Financial constraints were associated with retention suggesting that study participation appealed to more socioeconomically vulnerable individuals.