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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Published in:

01-10-2014

Recruitment and Retention of Children in Behavioral Health Risk Factor Studies: REACH Strategies

Authors: Stephanie Schoeppe, Melody Oliver, Hannah M Badland, Matthew Burke, Mitch J Duncan

Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 5/2014

Abstract

Background

Children are a common target group in behavioral health research. Yet their recruitment into community setting studies poses challenges to researchers and little guidance exists on recruitment and retention methods.

Purpose

This study aims to present successful strategies for the recruitment and retention of children into behavioral health risk factor studies.

Method

Firstly, a literature search in various databases was undertaken for papers published 1990–2012, focusing on recruitment and retention methods used in community-based studies with children aged 3–18 years. Secondly, a Delphi study was conducted in 2012 with 27 international experts in the fields of child-related behavioral health risk factors to gather expertise and consensus on successful recruitment and retention strategies applicable in children.

Results

The literature review and Delphi study yielded a set of successful child recruitment and retention strategies, and examples for implementation. These are presented as strategies to Recruit, Engage and retAin Children in behavioral Health risk factor studies (REACH). Recognized strategies for successful recruitment and retention included building trustful relationships between researchers and study partners, parents, and children; having project champions; optimizing consent and follow-up procedures; offering incentives to study partners, children, and parents; minimizing participant burden; and designing feasible studies with cohesive research teams.

Conclusion

Using multiple REACH strategies is most promising for maximizing response rates and minimizing attrition of children in cross-sectional, longitudinal, and behavioral intervention studies in community settings such as schools, child care centers, and other youth-related organizations. Researchers can select the most suitable strategies based on their specific study design and requirements.

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Title: Recruitment and Retention of Children in Behavioral Health Risk Factor Studies: REACH Strategies
Authors: Stephanie Schoeppe
Melody Oliver
Hannah M Badland
Matthew Burke
Mitch J Duncan
Publication date: 01-10-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 5/2014
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Electronic ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-013-9347-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Recruitment and Retention of Children in Behavioral Health Risk Factor Studies: REACH Strategies

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

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