Abstract
BackgroundNutriQuébec is a Web-based prospective study on the relationship between diet and health as well as the impact of food-related health policies in the adult population of Québec, Canada. Recruitment and retention of individuals with a low socioeconomic status (SES) in such a study are known to be challenging, yet critical for achieving representativeness of the entire population.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the behavioral, normative, and control beliefs of individuals with a low SES regarding participation in the NutriQuébec project and to identify their preferences regarding recruitment methods.MethodsA total of four focus groups were conducted in community centers located in low-income areas of Québec City, Canada. On the basis of the theory of planned behavior, participants’ beliefs associated with attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control regarding hypothetical participation in the NutriQuébec project were identified. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and coded by two analysts.ResultsParticipants (16 men and 12 women) were aged between 28 and 72 years, and a majority of the participants had an annual household income of Can $19,999 or less. The main perceived advantages of participating in the NutriQuébec project were contributing to improved collective health and supporting research. The only disadvantage identified was the risk of having to fill out too many questionnaires. Participants could not, in general, identify persons from their entourage who would approve or disapprove their participation in the study. The main facilitators identified were obtaining a brief health assessment and the ability to complete questionnaires in a way that is not Web-based. The main barrier was the lack of internet access. The preferred means of recruitment were through social media, television, and community centers.ConclusionsThese results provide insightful information regarding the best methods and messages to use in order to recruit and retain individuals with a low SES in a population-based prospective study on lifestyle and health on the internet.
Highlights
BackgroundEvaluating and monitoring lifestyle habits, including dietary habits, at the population level is imperative in implementing impactful policies, regulations, and educational programs to improve public health
Cited advantages of participating in the NutriQuébec project pertained to supporting research, contributing to improving collective health, receiving a brief health assessment, and improving one’s lifestyle habits: http://formative.jmir.org/2019/4/e13854/
No clear disadvantages of participating in the NutriQuébec project emerged in most focus groups
Summary
BackgroundEvaluating and monitoring lifestyle habits, including dietary habits, at the population level is imperative in implementing impactful policies, regulations, and educational programs to improve public health. Vulnerable populations, including individuals with a low socioeconomic status (SES), are at the greatest risk of developing chronic diseases as well as adopting poor lifestyle habits such as inadequate dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and alcoholism [1,2,3] Such populations are generally underrepresented in health studies [2,4]. Recruiting individuals with a low SES may represent an even greater challenge in Web-based studies, even if access to the internet and the use of social media have broadened significantly over the recent years [5]. Conclusions: These results provide insightful information regarding the best methods and messages to use in order to recruit and retain individuals with a low SES in a population-based prospective study on lifestyle and health on the internet
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