Recruitment and retention of participants from socioeconomically deprived communities: lessons from the Awareness and Beliefs About Cancer (ABACus3) Randomised Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-01149-x
• Publication Date: 2020-11-04T09:08:39Z
• Authors: Vasiliki Kolovou; Yvonne Moriarty; Stephanie Gilbert; Harriet Quinn-Sco...; Julia Townson; Louise Padgett; Sioned Owen; Peter Buckle; Adrian Edwards; Julie Hepburn; Mandy Lau; Maura Matthews; Caroline Mitchell; Richard Neal; Rebecca Playle; Mike Robling; Stephanie Smits; Rob Trubey; Fiona Wood; Kate Brain
• Keywords: Adult; Health intervention; Medicine (General); Randomised control trial; Community settings; Middle Aged; 16. Peace & justice; 3. Good health; Socioeconomic deprivation; 03 medical and health sciences; R5-920; 0302 clinical medicine; Retention; Neoplasms; Humans; Female; Recruitment; Research Article

Abstract Background Recruitment of research participants poses challenges in socioeconomically deprived areas. The Awareness and Beliefs About Cancer (ABACus) phase 3 Randomised Control Trial recruited adult from areas using a combined healthcare/community engagement model. We report the strategies used to successfully recruit retain our trial participant sample. Methods Community healthcare settings high socioeconomic deprivation were identified by lay advisors who opportunistically or appointment. Follow-up was done telephone post at 2-weeks 6-months after recruitment, all offered financial incentives. Qualitative interviews conducted with regarding their experience reflections. Results contacted 107 potential recruitment venues across South West Yorkshire East Wales which 41.1% ( n = 42) opened for recruitment. A total 234 recruited, 91% 212) retention 85% 199) 6-months. yielded 75% 176) participants. Participants had mean age 61.3 years 63.3% 148) female, 66% 154) resident most geographical Lay described as intensive, although engaging easier community settings. Conclusions ABACus3 achieved population that is often “hard reach” entirely missed health research. Strategies specifically tailored engage residents highly Future studies recruiting adults living might benefit collaborating local gatekeepers are key engagement. This study adheres CONSORT guidelines. registration Retrospectively registered ISRCTN http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16872545 ) on 12.01.2018.