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Conducting longitudinal research in school-based settings: Challenges and strategies for success learned from a federally funded evaluation in Florida
School-based longitudinal studies with adolescents face specific challenges in retaining participants, including competing academic obligations and difficulty reconnecting with students who move, withdraw, or graduate from school.
Methods:
The University of South Florida conducted a randomized controlled trial in 26 high schools across 10 non-metropolitan Florida counties to evaluate the effectiveness of the Teen Outreach Program, an evidence-based positive youth development program. A paper-and-pencil survey was administered in schools at three timepoints: baseline, immediately post-program completion, and one-year following program completion. The evaluation team used previously collected contact information to follow-up with participants who did not take a follow-up survey due to school withdrawal, graduation, or absence. Participants were contacted by mail, email, text message and/or phone, and asked to complete an abridged survey. The evaluation team identified lessons learned to most effectively reach youth at risk for study attrition.
Results:
Challenges to follow up efforts included: 1) rapid migration of youth and their families; 2) frequent changes in contact information; 3) evaluation staffing limitations; and 4) technical issues. Testing, adapting, and monitoring follow-up procedures is essential for success. Additional keys to success included strategically using multiple contact methods, offering a variety of survey modes, cultivating positive relationships with parents, and leveraging technology resources to maximize efficiency.
Conclusion:
Longitudinal evaluations play a fundamental role in strengthening the evidence-base of adolescent health programs, but particular challenges exist in retaining youth in school-based studies. Future studies would benefit by considering these challenges during the planning and implementation phases of youth programs.
Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practicePublic health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Discuss challenges to longitudinal study design in a school based setting.
Identify strategies for retaining youth in longitudinal studies.
Keyword(s): Evaluation, Adolescents
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I led the longitudinal follow-up efforts for this RCT evaluation which is implemented in 26 Florida high schools and funded ($2.5 million) by the U.S. Office of Adolescent Health
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.