Retention strategies from pilot longitudinal research with new deportees: Implications for health research with newly deported Mexican migrants

Background: Between 1999-2007, the U.S. deported ~4.8 million Mexican migrants, including ≥1.1 million to Tijuana, Mexico. Longitudinal studies of the health implications associated with deportation are needed.

Methods. Between January-May, 2012 we conducted a mixed-methods pilot longitudinal study of post-deportation drug/HIV risks (n=19) among newly deported Mexicans in Tijuana. We implemented a 1-month follow-up period (n=6 visits). Study objectives were to understand: 1) whether newly deported migrants can be followed in longitudinal health studies and 2) what strategies increase retention of deportees in health research. Data collection is ongoing.

Results. Overall 52% of participants completed the first follow-up interview at 24 hours. Participants became increasingly engaged after the second visit. Many preferred initiating communication and calling researchers to schedule interviews. Other successful retention strategies included conducting interviews in a public hospital, meeting participants in the community, flexibility in days/times/locations when scheduling questionnaire/qualitative interviews, having multiple communication options (i.e., calling participants' cell phones, providing a toll-free study phone number, providing telephone calling cards; cash reimbursements for transportation expenses). Attrition may be affected by new deportees' safety concerns, including mistrust of Mexican public officials, which sometimes limited sharing of contact information. Attempted or successful return U.S. migration also resulted in loss-to-follow-up.

Conclusions. Preliminary data suggest that new deportees may be recruited and retained in longitudinal studies. Implementing diverse communication methods, including participant-initiated methods, may facilitate deportees' contact with the research team and may promote retention while trust and rapport are established. Further research is needed with a larger sample.