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Recruitment and Retention of Rural African Americans in Diabetes ResearchLessons LearnedFrom the College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia (Dr Loftin); Fairfield Medical Associates, Winnsboro, South Carolina (Dr Barnett); the Diabetes Education Program, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, South Carolina (Ms Bunn; and Fairfield Diabetes Education Center, Fairfield Memorial Hospital, Winnsboro, South Carolina (Ms Sullivan). Correspondence to Wanda Anderson Loftin, PhD, RN, University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, Columbia, SC 29208 (wanda.anderson-loftin{at}sc.edu). Purpose The purpose of this article was to describe lessons learned about recruitment and retention of rural African Americans from published literature, the authors' research, and research experience. Two rural, community-based research studies with African Americans with diabetes are used to illustrate different issues and strategies in recruitment and retention. Methods Relevant MEDLINE articles and clinical studies were reviewed, and the design, implementation, and results of the 2 community-based studies were evaluated. Information from the literature, research results, and sample selection, participation, and attrition experiences were synthesized to determine effective approaches for recruitment and retention. Results Research funding, design, and implementation; recruitment methods; culturally competent approaches; caring, trusting provider-patient relationships; incentives; follow-up; and factors in the rural environment emerged as important issues influencing recruitment and retention. Conclusion Recruitment and retention of African Americans in rural diabetes research is a significant challenge, and adequatefunding should be sought early in the research process. Culturally competent approaches; caring, trusting relationships; incentives; and follow-up are important concepts in successful recruitment, participation, and retention of African Americans. The lessons learned may be applicable to the more widespread issue of recruitment and retention of rural African Americans in diabetes education programs.
The Diabetes Educator, Vol. 31, No. 2,
251-259 (2005) This article has been cited by other articles:
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