Challenges in implementing of school-based recruitment for human biomonitoring research

Abstract

Aims School-based research involves a multi-level process to ensure recruitment of an adequate and reliable sample. The aim of this study is to present the experience of school recruitment of the DEMOCOPHES study in Cyprus. Moreover, methods and strategies to improve recruitment rates are described. Methods The target population of the DEMOCOPHES study was children aged 6-11 years old and their mothers. Cyprus was required to recruit 60 children and their mothers. Random selection of the schools was followed. The information material was provided to the teacher of the selected classes who subsequently distributed it to the children. Personal follow-up contact via telephone call was made with the parents living in the rural areas only. Results Twenty one percent eligibility and consent rate for participation was reached. In schools where parents were followed-up by telephone calls, the response rate was significantly higher compared to those not followed-up by reminders (58% vs 42%, p< 0.05). Conclusions Despite the limitations of applicability and representativity, school-based recruitment has been shown to be a feasible and reliable strategy. It is an attractive approach of enrolling young populations into epidemiological studies. Follow-up reminders via telephone calls significantly increased the response rate.