Conducting Health Literacy Research With Hard-to-Reach Regional Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations: Evaluation Study of Recruitment and Retention Methods Before and During COVID-19 (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.26136
• Publication Date: 2020-12-18T19:44:47Z
• Authors: Genevieve Perrins; Tabassum Ferdous; Dawn Hay; Bobby Harreveld; Kerry Reid-Searl
• Keywords: Retention rate; Health Literacy

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> In health research, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) care consumers are cited as hidden or hard to reach. This paper evaluates the approach used by researchers attract retain hard-to-reach CALD research participants for a study investigating communication barriers between users professionals in regional Australia. As was taking place during COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent restrictions emerged. Thus, recruitment retention methods were adapted. evaluation considered effectiveness of throughout pre-COVID during-COVID periods. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> sought determine efforts that targeted participants. <title>METHODS</title> Recruitment categorized into following 5 phases: recruitment, preintervention data collection, intervention, postintervention interviews. To compare researchers, rates divided Thereafter, in-depth reflections employed within this made. <title>RESULTS</title> provides results relating participant retainment over course phases occurred before COVID. During phase, 22 recruited. Of these participants, 15 (68%) transitioned next phase completed initial collection phase. By contrast, 18 with 13 (72%) continuing The success rate intervention period 93% (14/15), compared 84.6% (11/13) period. Lastly, (13/14) period, 91% (10/11) total, 40 took part 23 (58%) completing phases. Owing small sample size, it not determined if there any statistical significance groups (pre- periods). <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> program recruiting maintaining populations preserved pre- pandemic required adjust methods, thereby inadvertently contributing project. maintenance due flexibility offered through adaptive such use cultural gatekeepers, increased visibility digital platforms. major findings 2-fold. First, diversity high level from meaning projects may be more resource intensive. Second, community organizations presented valuable opportunity connect potential