Strategies for Retaining Youth in Longitudinal Research

Background: One of the principal challenges to the success of longitudinal studies is retaining participants, particularly with hard to reach populations such as youth.  Retaining youth is especially challenging given the rapidly changing technology landscape, frequent loss of interest, and the increasing demands on youth’s time. 

Methods: ICF International is conducting a quasi-experimental, mixed methods longitudinal comparison study for the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in New York City. Data is gathered from 1400 youth via 20 minute phone surveys administered at six-month intervals for a period of three years.  Locating lost participants and obtaining high response rates from those easily found is challenging. To inform and maximize retention efforts, retention strategies were mapped against retention rates.  Effectiveness of retention activities was also evaluated via interviews with study participants and the retention team.  Barriers and facilitators to participation were documented and retention strategies were grouped into thematic categories and ranked by effectiveness.  

Results: Retention strategies such as text messaging, personalization of outreach, and frequent reminders increased retention rates. Text messaging was cited as the most effective retention strategy for obtaining high response rates. Barriers to participation were loss of interest in the study, competing demands for time, and conflicts with school or job(s).  Frequent text message reminders, incentives, and scheduling callbacks facilitated participation.

Conclusions: This study provides a concise description of low-cost and practical strategies that can be employed in studies with youth populations. Our findings contribute to the evidence base for successful retention strategies with youth in longitudinal research.