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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to identify critical factors for retaining participants in longitudinal research.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to apply multiple strategies critical to maintaining high risk families in longitudinal research.
Objective: The purpose of the current study was to identify strategies for maintenance of a cohort and recovery of study participants following a period of subject dropout.
Design/Methods: The Maternal Lifestyle Study (MLS) investigates the effects of prenatal substance exposure (cocaine/opiates) on child outcome in a longitudinal follow-up of 1,388 children, an exposed group (n = 658) and a nonexposed group (n = 730), from birth through 13 years of age. Retention of study subjects and factors that could impact compliance were examined over the course of four follow-up phases.
Results: Mothers in the exposed group were older, less educated, unmarried and used alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana more often. They more often received Medicaid and had incomes below the federal poverty guideline. Overall study retention showed a marked drop from 79% at the 3-year visit to 65% at the 4½-year visit. Multiple strategies that sought to reengage and maintain subjects in the study included flexibility with scheduling, home visits, long-distance trips, increased incentives, and development of a computerized tracking system. At the conclusion of the 13-year visits, MLS successfully improved compliance to 76%. Retention rates did not differ by exposure group.
Discussion: Multiple factors, such as diligence, persistence, flexibility, and establishing rapport with families, contribute to overall participant retention. The use of multiple tracking techniques is essential.
See more of: World Academy of Nursing Science: Oral Paper & Posters