The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47822

Margie R. Skeer, MSW, School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany St., T2W, Boston, MA 02118, (617) 731-4749, skeer@bu.edu, Hortensia Amaro, PhD, Northeastern University, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Stearns Building, 503, Boston, MA 02115, and Anita Raj, PhD, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, T2W, Boston, MA 02118.

Objectives: To assess program recruitment and retention rates among efficacious HIV prevention programs for community or clinic-based samples of African-American women. To identify recruitment and retention strategies used by these efficacious programs.

Methods: Based upon a review of published literature identified via Medline, PsychInfo, and Social Work Abstracts, 16 studies met criteria for program efficacy (i.e., statistically significant safer sex behavioral change). Lead authors of these studies, typically Principal Investigators or Co-Investigators, were contacted for twenty-minute phone interviews. Two closed-ended questions assessed program participation and retention rates, and twelve open-ended questions assessed effective recruitment and retention strategies. Statistical frequencies and averages of program recruitment and retention rates were conducted. Qualitative information obtained from researchers was sorted by major themes.

Results: Researchers who reported participation and retention rates indicated participation rates averaging 85% and retention rates averaging 73%. Effective recruitment strategies included using recruiters who are recognizable to the participant pool, training recruiters in both recruitment and the overall project, having a standard recruitment protocol, and providing monetary incentives for clients. Effective program retention strategies included having ongoing contact with program participants, providing transportation, childcare and food at program sites, and providing monetary incentives for clients.

Conclusions: Efficacious HIV prevention programs for African American women appear to have strong participation and retention rates. A well-trained staff of identifiable community members, sufficient time and ongoing contact with participants, and resources for both staff and participants facilitate effective recruitment and retention.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to identify at least five recruitment and program retention strategies that different researchers have found effective for HIV prevention and intervention programs with low-income, inner-city African-American women.

Keywords: Minority Research, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.