Recruitment of women from disadvantaged areas to a smoking cessation intervention: preliminary findings from the We Can Quit2 (WCQ2) cluster randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Recruitment of participants into community randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is problematic; however, recruitment of participants from disadvantaged backgrounds to community smoking cessation trials is especially challenging. This paper will present recruitment and retention rates, successes and challenges in the We Can Quit2 (WCQ2) community intervention trial of smoking cessation in disadvantaged women. Methods We Can Quit, is a smoking-cessation behavioural support intervention delivered by community facilitators through 12-weekly group sessions, with free Nicotine Replacement Therapy, against a form of usual care. Sample size was estimated at 194 in total (97 per arm). Four matched pairs of districts of approximately 10,000 women in each (eight clusters) were identified from which eligible women could be recruited. The recruitment target was 24-25 per cluster. Consent was obtained prior to cluster randomisation. Individual participants were recruited via print media such as leaflets, posters, information stands in local facilities e.g. creches as well as through local and social media e.g. radio and targeted Facebook advertisements. A small financial incentive was provided to aid retentions. Results 208 women registered for the study. Women heard about WCQ2 mainly via Facebook or Twitter (30.4%), and personal networks (16%) 184 (84.5%) were eligible with living outside the area being the most common reason for ineligibility. 125 (67.9% of eligible women; 65.5% of target) consented. Retention rates will be presented. Barriers to recruitment included time of year. Successful strategies included application of in-depth knowledge of local communities to target eligible women. Social media helped target younger women. Recruitment occurred over four waves, allowing for the application of iterative learning. Conclusions Recruitment to a community based RCT was challenging however, local community engagement, use of social media, and personal networks were successful strategies. Early and active engagement with local stakeholders with in-depth knowledge of the community is important. Key messages Intense planned community mobilisation is needed to recruit disadvantaged women to smoking cessation trials. Social media an important route to recruitment of younger women.