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Review
. 2011 Jun;1(2):234-51.
doi: 10.1007/s13142-011-0034-2.

What are successful recruitment and retention strategies for underserved populations? Examining physical activity interventions in primary care and community settings

Jennifer K Carroll  1 , Antronette K Yancey, Bonnie Spring, Colmar Figueroa-Moseley, David C Mohr, Karen M Mustian, Lisa K Sprod, Jason Q Purnell, Kevin Fiscella
Affiliations
Review

What are successful recruitment and retention strategies for underserved populations? Examining physical activity interventions in primary care and community settings

Jennifer K Carroll et al. Transl Behav Med. 2011 Jun.

Abstract

The purposes of this review are to (1) describe recruitment and retention strategies for physical activity interventions focusing on underserved populations and (2) identify successful strategies which show the most promise for "best practices" recommendations to guide future research. The method used was systematic review. Data on recruitment and retention strategies were abstracted and analyzed according to participant characteristics, types of strategies used, and effectiveness using an ecological framework. Thirty-eight studies were identified. Populations included African American (n = 25), Hispanic (n = 8), or Asian (n = 3) groups. Successful recruitment strategies consisted of partnering with respected community stakeholders and organizations, well-trained study staff ethnically, linguistically, and culturally matched to the population of interest, and use of multiple advertising channels. Successful retention strategies included efficient administrative tracking of participants, persistence, skillful teamwork, and demonstrating a positive, caring attitude towards participants. Promising recruitment and retention strategies correspond to all levels of ecological influence: individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal.

Keywords: Physical activity; Recruitment; Retention; Underserved groups.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Ecological levels of influence with corresponding successful recruitment and retention strategies
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