Successful Recruitment Methods Research Articles

Abstract A081: Testing the effect of culturally targeted, normative messaging on Black women’s intentions to participate in a breast cancer clinical trial

Abstract Despite increasing disease incidence and remarkably high mortality rates, Black women are underrepresented in breast cancer (BC) clinical trials (CTs), likely limiting the generalizability of BC research findings to Black patients. Evidence demonstrates that the BC research community could exert more effort to ensure the recruitment of Black women into CTs. Although Black and white women have similar BC incidence rates, Black women are 40% more likely than all other races and ethnicities to die of the disease. Clear disparities exist even after controlling for socioeconomic inequalities. Black participation in CTs has been declining, which is particularly unfortunate given the increasing health problem of a lack of Black representation in medical research. Successfully swelling the percentages of Black women who participate in BC research is important and likely reliant on increasing group members’ motivations to surmount existing historical, cultural, and social barriers. Guided by normative and cultural theoretical frameworks, this study examined the effects of culturally informed messaging on Black women’s intention to participate in a preventive BC CT. Six hundred thirty-five Black women aged 18 and over were recruited through Qualtrics to participate in an online, posttest only, control-group design message testing study using random assignment to condition (the control or one of four injunctive-, descriptive-, and/or legacy norm-focused messages). They answered survey questions designed to measure the messages’ effects on the women’s intention to participate in the CT. The study employed univariate and multivariate logistic regression and yielded statistically nonsignificant results; none of the four hypotheses were supported. However, the findings trended overall toward having higher probability of intending to perform the behavior (overall intention M = 3.35). All conditions had means higher than three (out of a five-point scale) and the relatively high resulting intention outcome variables were promising. Important knowledge was gained from this study showing that dissemination of culturally targeted, norms-based messaging to Black women could elicit positive intentions in their willingness to donate healthy breast tissue. The most important implication is that message content is affected by the medium through which it is delivered. Additional implications include the importance of overlaying cultural factors onto normative theories, and that Black women really need culturally aware, norms-focused relational communication to enable an understanding that CT participation is something in which they and others like them have interest and—despite other research that implies otherwise—really want to do, particularly after having been comprehensively informed. Given that previous successful recruitment methods to this CT for this population were grounded in research practices involving face-to-face, interpersonal interactions, future research should consider employing a multi-level approach in testing these messages. Citation Format: Katherine E. Ridley-Merriweather. Testing the effect of culturally targeted, normative messaging on Black women’s intentions to participate in a breast cancer clinical trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A081.

A Snapshot of Modalities for Recruitment of African Americans for an Intensive Behavioral Therapy Weight Management Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Upon completion, the participant will be able to identify two successful recruitment methods of a minority population for a weight management intervention designed to improve nutrition and physical activity behaviors.

Recruitment and retention for chronic pain clinical trials: a narrative review.

Opioid misuse is at a crisis level. In response to this epidemic, the National Institutes of Health has funded $945 million in research through the Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Pain Management Initiative, including funding to the Vanderbilt Recruitment Innovation Center (RIC) to strategize methods to catalyze participant recruitment. The RIC, recognizing the challenges presented to clinical researchers in recruiting individuals experiencing pain, conducted a review of evidence in the literature on successful participant recruitment methods for chronic pain trials, in preparation for supporting the HEAL Pain trials. Study design as it affects recruitment was reviewed, with issues such as sufficient sample size, impact of placebo, pain symptom instability, and cohort characterization being identified as problems. Potential solutions found in the literature include targeted electronic health record phenotyping, use of alternative study designs, and greater clinician education and involvement. For retention, the literature reports successful strategies that include maintaining a supportive staff, allowing virtual study visits, and providing treatment flexibility within the trial. Community input on study design to identify potential obstacles to recruitment and retention was found to help investigators avoid pitfalls and enhance trust, especially when recruiting underrepresented minority populations. Our report concludes with a description of generalizable resources the RIC has developed or adapted to enhance recruitment and retention in the HEAL Pain studies. These resources include, among others, a Recruitment and Retention Plan Template, a Competing Trials Tool, and MyCap, a mobile research application that interfaces with Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap).

Not out-of-reach: Engaging the older old isolated African Americans with and without MCI

The Internet-Based Conversational Engagement Clinical Trial (I-CONECT, ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02871921) is a multi-center randomized, 12-month efficacy study. There is converging evidence that social isolation is a risk factor of cognitive decline and dementia. We hypothesized that increasing social interaction in older adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) could improve or sustain cognitive function through internet-based conversational engagement. African Americans (AA) are at higher risk for developing dementia but their participation in clinical trials is low. Objectives: (1) discuss the effective outreach process to recruit urban AA older old adults (mean targeted age of 80+); (2) describe how we retained participants in a yearlong study using technology-based interventions. The most successful outreach and recruitment sources were the voter registration mass mailings and the Healthier Black Elders Research Center. Successful recruitment methods included: hiring diverse staff, compensating participants’ time, and adjusting research protocols for opting out of MRIs and genetic saliva samples. Technology intervention strategies included: providing user-friendly Chromebooks and free internet connections, simple instructions with pictures, vision and hearing correction, and in-home training with technology support backup. During the pandemic, we could assists participants in learning to use the laptop remotely. Over 12,000 subjects were contacted, which led to 39 randomized participants. Our retention rate thus far is over 75%. This demonstrates that AA older adults are reachable, willing to participate in research and able to use communication technology with appropriate supports for long-term sustainable interaction that may improve cognition and health equity.

Recruitment and Retention Strategies Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Web-Based Intervention Trials: Retrospective Qualitative Analysis

BackgroundRacial and ethnic minority groups are underrepresented in health research, contributing to persistent health disparities in the United States. Identifying effective recruitment and retention strategies among minority groups and their subpopulations is an important research agenda. Web-based intervention approaches are becoming increasingly popular with the ubiquitous use of the internet. However, it is not completely clear which recruitment and retention strategies have been successful in web-based intervention trials targeting racial and ethnic minorities.ObjectiveThis study aims to describe lessons learned in recruiting and retaining one of the understudied ethnic minority women—Korean Americans—enrolled in a web-based intervention trial and to compare our findings with the strategies reported in relevant published web-based intervention trials.MethodsMultiple sources of data were used to address the objectives of this study, including the study team’s meeting minutes, participant tracking and contact logs, survey reports, and postintervention interviews. In addition, an electronic search involving 2 databases (PubMed and CINAHL) was performed to identify published studies using web-based interventions. Qualitative analysis was then performed to identify common themes addressing recruitment and retention strategies across the trials using web-based intervention modalities.ResultsA total of 9 categories of recruitment and retention strategies emerged: authentic care; accommodation of time, place, and transportation; financial incentives; diversity among the study team; multiple, yet standardized modes of communication; mobilizing existing community relationships with efforts to build trust; prioritizing features of web-based intervention; combined use of web-based and direct recruitment; and self-directed web-based intervention with human support. Although all the studies included in the analysis combined multiple strategies, prioritizing features of web-based intervention or use of human support were particularly relevant for promoting recruitment and retention of racial and ethnic minorities in web-based intervention trials.ConclusionsThe growing prevalence of internet use among racial and ethnic minority populations represents an excellent opportunity to design and deliver intervention programs via the internet. Future research should explore and compare successful recruitment and retention methods among race and ethnic groups for web-based interventions.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03726619; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03726619.

Engaging citizens in sustainability research: comparing survey recruitment and responses between Facebook, Twitter and qualtrics

PurposeThe study aims to compare survey recruitment rates between Facebook, Twitter and Qualtrics and to assess the impact of recruitment method on estimates of energy content, food safety, carbon footprint and animal welfare across 29 foods.Design/methodology/approachTwo versions of an online survey were developed on the citizen science platform, Zooniverse. The surveys explored citizen estimations of energy density (kcal) or carbon footprint (Co2) and food safety or animal welfare of 29 commonly eaten foods. Survey recruitment was conducted via paid promotions on Twitter and Facebook and via paid respondent invites on Qualtrics. The study included approximately 500 participants (Facebook, N˜11 (ratings 358), Twitter, N˜85 (ratings 2,184), Qualtrics, N = 398 (ratings 11,910)). Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-square analyses compared citizen estimations with validated values and assessed the impact of the variables on estimations.FindingsCitizens were unable to accurately estimate carbon footprint and energy content, with most citizens overestimating values. Citizen estimates were most accurate for meat products. Qualtrics was the most successful recruitment method for the online survey. Citizen estimates between platforms were significantly different, suggesting that Facebook and Twitter may not be suitable recruitment methods for citizen online surveys.Practical implicationsQualtrics was the favourable platform for survey recruitment. However, estimates across all recruitment platforms were poor. As paid recruitment methods such as Qualtrics are costly, the authors recommend continued examination of the social media environment to develop appropriate, affordable and timely online recruitment strategies for citizen science.Originality/valueThe findings indicate that citizens are unable to accurately estimate the carbon footprint and energy content of foods suggesting a focus on consumer education is needed to enable consumers to move towards more sustainable and healthy diets. Essential if we are to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger, good health and wellbeing and responsible consumption and production. The study highlights the utility of Zooniverse for assessing citizen estimates of carbon footprint, energy content, animal welfare and safety of foods.

Abstract IA04: Data-driven recruitment: Implementation of digital marketing strategies for improved participant response rates and retention

Abstract Background: Decline in epidemiology cohort response rates has been documented over decades, with precipitous declines in recent years. Incentives and repeated contact attempts have been shown to increase retention to varying degrees, but the effects of the different types of incentives and methods of contact—details necessary for reliable replication—remain poorly understood. Numerous factors related to study implementation and participant characteristics likely affect response rates, but few cohort studies have published the detailed empirical data that would be necessary to assess their effect. The small number of cohort studies that have published analyses of their recruitment protocols raises the question of how many studies are systematically and rigorously examining their methods. A 2011 review suggested that cohort studies may be less likely to engage in these activities due to concerns of risk to participant loyalty and the cost of assessment. Epidemiology cohorts often involve many concurrent activities and overlapping projects, which may also contribute to the complexity of the task. Considering the long duration of cohort studies, some may perceive that study staff can accurately intuit best practices. However, these challenges are not unique to epidemiology cohorts. The private sector is also concerned with attracting and retaining customers, and as such, companies have developed tools that enable rapid, low-cost reporting on their methods. In the field of marketing, customer relationship management (CRM) systems facilitate both the desired outcome (a customer buying a product) and the collection of data to identify factors that influenced the outcome. Aspects of these targeted marketing approaches and their related software tools provide both a model and a means by which epidemiology cohorts can better understand the constellation of factors that affect attrition among their own populations. Methods: The California Teachers Study (CTS) is a large prospective cancer epidemiology cohort that began in 1995. Since 2013, the CTS has used a commercially available CRM platform, modified with a variety of native applications (apps) and integrations, to manage participant recruitment and data collection for multiple projects. To manage a large-scale biobanking project and multiple tissue collection projects, we began with the platform’s standard contact data management and activity tracking features. We added an app for geolocation fieldwork management and a custom mobile app for surveys and biospecimen chain-of-custody tracking. To manage two follow-up questionnaires, we used available integrations for survey development, email marketing automation, a cloud-based call center with automated activity logging, and a web form for participants to submit information securely from our study website. Central features of all projects have included native reports and dashboards, workflow automations that reduce data entry, and data security measures. Results: The CRM platform has scaled to meet the needs of multiple concurrent projects with highly varied study designs and staffing requirements. By conducting our recruitment activities within the CRM, each interaction with the system (an incoming call from a participant, a blood collection, an automated survey reminder) passively generates useful metadata. These metadata, in concert with structured and unstructured data from participants and staff, enable timely monitoring and retrospective analysis using native reporting tools within the system. The ability to view and analyze clean data from the outset of each project revealed key—and sometimes unexpected—factors that were influencing response. Analysis of data across projects has revealed that characteristics of participants, staff, protocol decisions, technology, and equipment all influence outcomes in distinct ways. Conclusion: Existing commercially available tools, such as a CRM system, can be readily configured to meet the specific research, process, and security requirements of population sciences research. In the CTS, using a CRM system helped reveal that different factors affected participation differently, even within the same project. This presentation will discuss these factors, the approaches studies can use to collect data about these factors, and lessons learned about ways to further improve response rates. Broader adoption of CRM tools could enable the type of data collection and analysis necessary to more precisely define the factors that affect participation and develop more targeted and successful recruitment methods. Citation Format: Jennifer Benbow. Data-driven recruitment: Implementation of digital marketing strategies for improved participant response rates and retention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Modernizing Population Sciences in the Digital Age; 2019 Feb 19-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(9 Suppl):Abstract nr IA04.

A telephone-based guided imagery tobacco cessation intervention: results of a randomized feasibility trial.

Evidence supports the use of guided imagery for smoking cessation; however, scalable delivery methods are needed to make it a viable approach. Telephone-based tobacco quitlines are a standard of care, but reach is limited. Adding guided imagery to quitline services might increase reach by offering an alternative approach. To develop and test the feasibility and potential impact of a guided imagery-based tobacco cessation intervention delivered using a quitline model. Participants for this randomized feasibility trial were recruited statewide through a quitline or community-based methods. Participants were randomized to guided imagery Intervention Condition (IC) or active behavioral Control Condition (CC). After withdrawals, there were 105 participants (IC = 56; CC = 49). The IC consisted of six sessions in which participants created guided imagery audio files. The CC used a standard six-session behavioral protocol. Feasibility measures included recruitment rate, retention, and adherence to treatment. We also assessed 6-month quit rates and consumer satisfaction. Both the IC and CC protocols were feasible to deliver. We finalized protocols and materials for participants, coaches and study staff, and delivered the protocols with fidelity. We developed successful recruitment methods, and experienced high retention (6 months = 81.9%) and adherence (all sessions = 66.7%). Long-term quit rates (IC = 27.9%; CC = 38.1%) compared favorably to those of quitlines, and program satisfaction was high, suggesting that the protocols are acceptable to smokers and may contribute to smoking abstinence. The guided imagery intervention is feasible and promising, suggesting that a fully powered RCT to test the efficacy of the intervention is warranted. NCT02968381.

Feasibility of a pilot, randomized controlled trial using a personalized health monitoring device with pregnant women for behavioral sleep research

Sleep disruptions are common in pregnancy and can have significant maternal and infant health consequences. Management of sleep using a personal health monitoring (PHM) device may be effective in promoting behavior change and contribute to improved pregnancy-related sleep. The purpose of this pilot, randomized controlled trial was to determine the feasibility of recruitment (i.e., recruiting a 20% minority sample, most successful recruitment methods), retention, adherence, and data collection methods with a sample of pregnant women (n = 24) at 24 weeks gestation for a 12-week intervention using a PHM device. Of 24 enrolled participants, 20 (83%) were retained through the 12-week intervention and the follow-up at 2–4 weeks postpartum. The majority of participants had a four-year education and identified as White. Ninety-one percent (n = 11) wore the device for at least ten weeks. Pregnant women may be willing engage in sleep intervention research and wear a PHM to self-monitor sleep during pregnancy. Future research should consider recruitment methods tailored to recruit diverse populations of pregnant women.

How can we successfully recruit depressed people? Lessons learned in recruiting depressed participants to a multi-site trial of a brief depression intervention (the \u2018CLASSIC\u2019 trial)

BackgroundThere are enormous problems in recruiting depressed people into randomised controlled trials (RCTs), with numerous studies consistently failing to recruit to target (Sully et al., Trials 14:166, 2013). Given the high prevalence of—and disability associated with—depression, it is important to find ways of effectively recruiting to RCTs evaluating interventions. This study aimed to test the feasibility of using a self-referral system to recruit to a brief intervention in a multi-site trial, the CLASSIC trial of self-confidence workshops for depression. In that trial, participants referred themselves to a depression intervention with a positive non-diagnostic title of ‘self-confidence’, given the close relationship of depression and self-esteem (Horrell et al., Br J Psychiatry 204:222–233, 2014).MethodWe analysed uptake and retention rates by recruitment to the study, attendance at the workshops and follow-up rates. However, because of the rapid rate of recruitment, we decided to pause the trial and revise our original single-site research protocol in months 5–6. We report findings under three main headings: recruitment rates for the 12 months of the project before and after the pause; data regarding attendance at the workshops before and after the pause; and the follow-up rates before and after the pause.ResultsWe recruited 459 participants within 12 months, representing 38 participants recruited per month. Improved uptake of the intervention and retention after the development of multi-site research protocols are reported.DiscussionBased on previous evidence from RCT recruitment among depressed participants, our recruitment rate demonstrates that a self-referral system using a non-diagnostic title of self-confidence is a successful recruitment method. The implications of rapid recruitment using a self-referral system are described, including the impact on uptake of the intervention as well as participant retention. Because of the potential for recruiting many participants quickly, research teams need to be adequately resourced and the oversight committees prepared to meet at shorter intervals with RCTs of brief interventions.Short conclusionSelf-referral to a brief intervention for depression with a non-diagnostic title can be a very effective way of recruiting depressed people into trials. However, there are also some challenges.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN26634837. Registered on 10 June 2010.

Some cautions in the use of citizen science: a case study of urban insect collection

ABSTRACTThe engagement of volunteers to collect scientific information (citizen science) is a powerful tool for gathering biodiversity information and for achieving environmental education objectives. Here we describe an intervention designed to enhance participant understanding of insects in ecosystems. We did this by involving them as citizen scientists to collect insects on traps and by providing them with enriching information about insects. We also evaluated the use of citizen scientists for the collection of insect biodiversity data. Despite targeted recruitment around a focal site (a constructed urban wetland), participants were spread throughout the Adelaide metropolitan area, a result of the most successful recruitment method being through electronic communication via social media. Use of paper flyers was ineffective. Surveys before and after the intervention demonstrated some enhancement of knowledge and understanding of insect roles in ecosystems, with participants nominating the insect trapping and subsequent information sheet being their primary sources of new information. However, participants largely appeared to have an existing interest in ecosystems and the environment, reducing our ability to improve understanding and attitudes in the community. Volunteer deployment of sticky traps proved successful in gaining new insect community data and shows promise for future use.

Recruitment methods in a clinical trial of provoked vulvodynia: Predictors of enrollment.

Successful recruitment in clinical trials for chronic pain conditions is challenging, especially in women with provoked vulvodynia due to reluctance in discussing pain associated with sexual intercourse. The most successful recruitment methods and the characteristics of women reached with these methods are unknown. To compare the effectiveness and efficiency of four recruitment methods and to determine socioeconomic predictors for successful enrollment in a National Institutes of Health-sponsored multicenter clinical trial evaluating a gabapentin intervention in women with provoked vulvodynia. Recruitment methods utilized mass mailing, media, clinician referrals and community outreach. Effectiveness (number of participants enrolled) and efficiency (proportion screened who enrolled) were determined. Socioeconomic variables including race, educational level, annual household income, relationship status, age, menopausal status and employment status were also evaluated regarding which recruitment strategies were best at targeting specific cohorts. Of 868 potential study participants, 219 were enrolled. The most effective recruitment method in enrolling participants was mass mailing ( p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in efficiency between recruitment methods ( p = 0.11). Relative to clinician referral, black women were 13 times as likely to be enrolled through mass mailing (adjusted odds ratio 12.5, 95% confidence interval, 3.6-43.1) as white women. There were no differences in enrollment according to educational level, annual income, relationship status, age, menopausal status, or employment status and recruitment method. In this clinical trial, mass mailing was the most effective recruitment method. Race of participants enrolled in a provoked vulvodynia trial was related to the recruitment method.

Recruitment lessons learned from a tailored web-based health intervention Project Y.E.A.H. (Young Adults Eating and Active for Health)

Purpose – Recruiting college students for research studies can be challenging. The purpose of this paper is to describe the lessons learned in the various recruitment strategies used for enrolling college students in a theory-based, tailored, and web-delivered health intervention at 13 US universities. Design/methodology/approach – The community-based participatory research (CBPR) model was used to develop a staged-tailored, web-based, randomized control trial, focussing on eating behavior, physical activity, and stress management. Participant feedback during baseline assessments was used to evaluate recruitment strategies. Findings – Findings from this feedback suggest that traditional recruitment strategies, such as newspaper ads and flyers, may not be the best approach for recruiting college students; instead, web-based efforts proved to be a better recruitment strategy. Research limitations/implications – This project included results from 13 US universities and thus may not be generalizable: more research is needed to determine successful recruitment methods for 18-24 years old college students. Originality/value – This paper lessens the gap regarding successful recruitment strategies for 18-24 years old college students.

Successful recruitment methods in the community for a two-site clinical trial

Effective screening and recruitment are essential to the success of randomized clinical trials. This report is to describe key screening and recruitment strategies in a two site randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted in community settings with a vulnerable chronically ill population and to suggest valuable approaches when planning trials. Differences between sites in a complex study with two considerably different environments (academic versus home care) and their participant pools presented challenges which required different screening and recruitment methods. A high level of communication between sites, creative problem solving and the ability to be flexible when problems were encountered were needed for successful screening and recruitment.

Recruiting and retaining low-income, multi-ethnic women into randomized controlled trials: Successful strategies and staffing

Developing effective recruitment and retention strategies in populations with traditionally high attrition rates is critical to the success of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Data on successful participation of women from low-income, minority populations in RCTs of behavioral interventions are limited. This is problematic given the multiplicity of Healthy People 2020 goals that target health disparities in these populations. This paper reports successful recruitment and retention methods from two separately funded NIH clinical trials of primary care-based prenatal interventions to increase breastfeeding among ethnically diverse, low-income women in urban medical centers in the Bronx, NY. It also presents the required staff effort necessary to conduct such a successful RCT, in terms of full-time equivalents (FTEs).Results include timely recruitment of 941 participants over 29months, with 98.1% completing >¯¯1 follow-up interview. A recruitment and retention plan that maximized study staff access and availability to the participant, as well as strong study staff rapport with participants, addressed previously reported barriers in this population, optimizing follow-up rates. A qualitative assessment of the participants' study experience suggesting that high retention was due to strong rapport with participants, short interviews requiring little time commitment, and participants' perception of the study as informative, provides further evidence of our approach's effectiveness.Logistical protocol procedures and staff management strategies relating to successful recruitment/retention are provided to propose a practical, cost-effective and translational recruitment–retention plan for other researchers to adopt.

Successful Research Recruitment Strategies in a Study Focused on Abused Rural Women at Risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections

The purpose of this article is to describe the successful recruitment methods of a study focused on a pilot intervention for rural women who were experiencing abuse and who also were at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Initial recruitment into the study was the primary challenge, and strategies to overcome recruitment difficulties are discussed. Eighty-seven women were screened, and 20 women were recruited from clinics into a 1-group pretest/posttest pilot study. The main inclusion criterion for the intervention was a past-year history of intimate partner violence (IPV). After 1 month of recruitment, only 10 women agreed to be screened for IPV. Several creative strategies were utilized in the revision of the recruitment plan, with the most successful being knitting by the research staff and incentives to participants for screening. An additional 77 women agreed to be screened for study participation within 3 months of implementing the recruitment changes. Personal involvement by the research staff and a nonthreatening and welcoming environment were necessary components for timely recruitment. Researcher flexibility and reevaluation allowed for changes to the recruitment plan that ultimately proved successful.

Accruing the sample: strategies for recruiting older adult and African Americans caregivers for persons with Alzheimer's disease

The challenges and barriers associated with recruiting a representative sample of community-residing older adult caregivers for persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may limit efficient accrual in a reasonable period. These limitations may inhibit study completion, result in underpowered samples, or overextend research budgets. With the use of both grassroots recruiting and local community resources, successful recruitment methods and experiences obtained during two studies, the first in older adults caring for a spouse with AD and the second in family caregivers for African Americans with AD, are described. Strategies used to accrue the samples are discussed within the framework of knowledge, planning, and creativity.

Introduction to the science of recruitment and retention among ethnically diverse populations.

Recruitment and retention of research participants is evolving with the changing demographics of the American population, in particular its growing diversity. The cultural-historical background and sociopolitical conditions of each diverse group poses unique challenges in developing successful recruitment and retention methods and strategies. This critical collection of articles demonstrates important theoretical and conceptual frameworks that seek to address the shortcomings of previous models of recruiting diverse populations. Understanding the key components of cultural distinctions, such as values and beliefs, community cohesion, and collective history, has proven to be instrumental in reaching out to these diverse groups. This important strategy has allowed researchers to overcome the barriers that have been fostered in the past and has built the trust necessary to move forward into an inclusive approach to aging research. Not to be overlooked, an important factor to achieving success in recruitment and retention of diverse populations is having access to resources that allow for ongoing connection with research participants.

Recruitment of Participants to a Clinical Trial of Botanical Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The timely recruitment of study participants is a critical component of successful trials. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common nonmalignant urologic condition among older men, is characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Successful recruitment methods for a trial of medical therapy for BPH, Medical Therapy of Prostate Symptoms (MTOPS), were mass mailing and advertising. The Complementary and Alternative Medicines Trial for Urological Symptoms (CAMUS) was designed to evaluate a botanical therapy, saw palmetto, for the treatment of BPH. The objective of this study was to evaluate recruitment strategies for CAMUS and to contrast the baseline characteristics of CAMUS participants with those recruited to a similar trial using conventional medical therapy. CAMUS is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of saw palmetto given at escalating doses over an 18-month period on relief from LUTS. The target enrollment goal was 350 men with LUTS from 11 clinical centers over a 12-month period. The recruitment techniques used and participants contacted, screened, and randomized through each technique were obtained from the clinical centers. Baseline characteristics of the CAMUS participants were compared with participants in the MTOPS trial who met the CAMUS eligibility criteria for LUTS. The target enrollment goal was achieved in 11 months. The overall monthly recruitment rate per site was 3.7 and ranged from 2.4 to 8.0. The most successful recruitment methods were mass mailing and advertising, which accounted for 39% and 35% of the study participants, respectively. In comparison to MTOPS participants, CAMUS participants were younger, more highly educated, more diverse, and had less severe urinary symptoms. Successful recruitment methods for CAMUS were similar to those in MTOPS. The use of botanical therapy attracted a less symptomatic and more educated study population.

Collaborating With Police Departments: Recruitment in the Oklahoma Lethality Assessment (OK-LA) Study

In a study to evaluate a collaborative police and social service intervention, researchers asked police officers to recruit intimate partner violence victims at the scene of domestic violence incidents. This article reviews the process of building successful partnerships with police departments as well as the strategies developed with collaborating police departments to create successful recruitment methods and enhance officer and department engagement with recruitment procedures. Over a period of 298 days, 800 victims were referred to the research study. Of these referrals, we were unable to contact 41.3%; of those contacted (n = 471), we conducted interviews with 67.73%.