Partnering with Community-Based Organizations in Recruiting a Hard-to-Find Population in East Los Angeles

Special efforts are needed to successfully recruit historically under-represented minorities into research studies. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach can be critically important for this purpose. This study examined the successes and challenges associated with recruiting hard-to-find participants for two community-based studies on elder caregiving: immigrant, Spanish-speaking women of Mexican origin from East Los Angeles. We conducted a retrospective review of nearly 100 hard copy or electronic study documents, using principles of case study methodology. Results showed that we employed six main strategies to identify, solicit and enroll 157 caregivers for qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. Strategies included partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) using a CBPR approach, and using flyers and word of mouth. Partnering with CBOs was most effective for enrolling caregivers into the studies—almost 70% of all enrolled participants attended a targeted CBO-sponsored recruitment event. Least effective was hosting tables at public events and posting flyers throughout the community, resulting in 14 enrolled participants. Results showed that reaching our enrollment goals required time and resources. We spent at least two person-days per week on recruitment-related activities during the studies' active enrollment periods. Our results provide evidence that enrolling under-represented minorities into research is possible using a CBPR approach, provided that researchers have adequate support to engage CBOs and cultivate their support. We capitalized on the infrastructure already in place our academic institution. However, a more resource driven funding model is needed for capacity building at CBOs to sustain their involvement in academic-community partnerships on an ongoing basis.