1
|
Hu EA, Turner-McGrievy GM, Wilson MJ, Davey M, Bailey S, Okpara N, Frongillo EA, Wilcox S. Adherence to a culturally adapted soul food vegan diet among African American adults increases diet quality compared to an omnivorous diet in the NEW Soul Study. Nutr Res 2024; 128:1-13. [PMID: 38981142 PMCID: PMC11294497 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Adherence to a vegan diet may lower risk of cardiovascular disease among African Americans (AAs). Feasibility and sustainability of adopting a vegan diet may be challenging among AAs who live in regions where soul food is a predominant cuisine. Our hypothesis was that AAs randomized to a culturally adapted vegan diet will have greater adherence to their assigned diet compared with those randomized to a culturally adapted omnivorous diet. AAs (N = 113) with overweight/obesity from South Carolina were included. Dietary intake was measured at months 0, 3, 6, and 12 using 24-hour recalls. Adherence was defined based on recommended animal product intake for each group. Differences in nutrient intakes and dietary indices (Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 and healthy plant-based diet index) between groups were evaluated using t-tests. At 12 months, adherence was higher to the vegan (51%) versus omnivorous (35%) diet. Participants assigned to the vegan diet had higher intake of carbohydrates (P = .01) and fiber (P < .001), and lower intake of cholesterol P< .001) and protein (P = .001) compared with participants assigned to the omnivorous diet. Participants adherent to the vegan diet had lower cholesterol intake (P < .001) and higher fiber intake (P = .02) compared with those adherent to the omnivorous diet. Compared with those assigned to the omnivorous diet, participants assigned to the vegan diet had higher Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (P = .01) and healthy plant-based diet index (P < .001) scores. AAs with overweight/obesity were more adherent to a culturally adapted vegan diet versus an omnivorous diet after 1 year, and nutrient and food group intake changes were sustained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Hu
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA.
| | - Gabrielle M Turner-McGrievy
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Mary J Wilson
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marty Davey
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Shiba Bailey
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nkechi Okpara
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sara Wilcox
- Prevention Research Center and Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Turner-McGrievy GM, Wilcox S, Frongillo EA, Kim Y, Okpara N, Wilson M. Differences in dietary acceptability, restraint, disinhibition, and hunger among African American participants randomized to either a vegan or omnivorous soul food diet. Appetite 2024; 196:107280. [PMID: 38373534 PMCID: PMC10966697 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The Nutritious Eating with Soul study was a 24-month, randomized behavioral nutrition intervention among African American adults. This present study, which is a secondary analysis of the NEW Soul study, examined changes in dietary acceptability, restraint, disinhibition, and hunger. Participants (n = 159; 79% female, 74% with ≥ college degree, mean age 48.4 y) were randomized to either a soul food vegan (n = 77) or soul food omnivorous (n = 82) diet and participated in a two-year behavioral nutrition intervention. Questionnaires assessing dietary acceptability (Food Acceptability Questionnaire; FAQ) and dietary restraint, disinhibition, and hunger (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire; TFEQ) were completed at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Mixed models were specified with main effects (group and time) and interaction effects (group by time) to estimate mean differences in FAQ and TFEQ scores using intent-to-treat analysis. After adjusting for employment, education, food security status, sex, and age, there were no differences in any of the FAQ items, total FAQ score, dietary restraint, disinhibition, and hunger at any timepoint except for one item of the FAQ at 12 months. Participants in the vegan group reported a greater increase in satisfaction after eating a meal than the omnivorous group (mean difference 0.80 ± 0.32, 95% CI 0.18, 1.42; P = 0.01). This is one of the first studies to examine differences in dietary acceptability, hunger, and other eating factors among African American adults randomized to either a vegan or omnivorous soul food diet. The findings highlight that plant-based eating styles are equally acceptable to omnivorous eating patterns and have similar changes in hunger, restraint, and disinhibition. These results suggest that plant-based eating styles can be an acceptable dietary pattern to recommend for cardiovascular disease prevention and may result in greater post-meal satisfaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle M Turner-McGrievy
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene St., Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Sara Wilcox
- Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene St., Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Yesil Kim
- Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Nkechi Okpara
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene St., Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Miriam Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Box G-M1, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Mary Wilson
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene St., Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Johnson CK, Leung MM, Ma GX, Ogunwobi OO. Effective Recruitment Strategies Utilized to Examine Dietary Practices of Blacks in New York City in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:764-772. [PMID: 36929490 PMCID: PMC10019415 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01559-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black Americans have long been considered a hard-to-reach population for research studies, whether quantitative surveys or for clinical research. Studies have explored multiple rationales for why Blacks are hard to reach, and the explanations have included historical mistrust, the need to assess the benefits from participating in research, and the expense of spending time participating in research, among others. What has not been explored is the continuous merging of all individuals who identify as Black, particularly when exploring reasonings for a lower interest in participating in research. This paper addresses this issue by investigating the participation rate of individuals identifying as Black in New York City in a study exploring dietary practices as a predictor of colorectal cancer screening behavior. Participants were asked to self-report screening behavior, intent to screen, and dietary and other lifestyle practices. In this analysis, we discuss the unique experience encountered in recruiting Black American participants to participate in this study, particularly amid a worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. METHODS The methodology for this study included a systematic review of the literature, a two-part recruitment process, and data analysis. The first part of the recruitment process involved registering individuals who were interested in participating in the study and consented to be contacted and reminded to come to the location where they were recruited on a scheduled date to complete the actual survey. With this part of the recruitment process, we engaged with n = 488 Black men and women between November 2019 and February 2020. The second part of the recruitment process utilized availability sampling outside of NYC subway stations and other high traffic areas as well as large community events. We engaged with n = 319 individuals. Total engagement with n = 807 individuals yielded a sample size for the survey of 504 completed surveys. RESULTS Of the total engaged (n = 807), 14% declined to participate due to a lack of time, 11% chose not to participate in the study because the incentive was not enough to compensate for their time 0.02% declined due to not trusting institutions conducting research, and 0.03% did not feel comfortable understanding the questions due to a language barrier. We had a sample size of (n = 504) of the total 807 individuals engaged. CONCLUSIONS Recruiting Black Americans into our colorectal cancer study did not prove to be challenging with the two-tiered model of recruitment that involved consistent engagement and having the primary researcher lead this recruitment process. Extracting within race differences is critical in demystifying the conclusion of numerous studies that African Americans specifically are hesitant to participate due to historical mistrust related to tragedies such as the Tuskegee Experiment and numerous other occurrences of African Americans being treated as guinea pigs for the advancement of research. This data contributes knowledge to this field regarding understanding recruitment challenges in the Black population, but further work needs to be conducted. Mistrust in this study primarily came from the individuals engaged in Caribbean neighborhoods, where many expressed more comfort with home remedies and bush doctors when asked about colorectal cancer screening and declined to participate. Innovative communication, qualitative research, and recruitment strategies tailored to the Caribbean population are needed in future studies to address this recruitment challenge that we experienced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cicely K Johnson
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - May May Leung
- Nutrition Program, School of Urban Public Health, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Grace X Ma
- Center for Asian Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Olorunseun O Ogunwobi
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Araya S, Aycock DM, Oliver Y, Davis PS, Taylor JC. Strategies for Recruiting Young African American Men for Primary Stroke Prevention Research. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2024; 39:E29-E35. [PMID: 37052604 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000000992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American (AA) men bear a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease and stroke but are often underrepresented in research. OBJECTIVE This article describes the development and evaluation of a recruitment plan to reach young AA men for the Stroke Counseling for Risk Reduction in Men project. METHODS The plan was developed from researchers' previous experiences and a literature review, and used to recruit AA men, ages 20 to 35 years, for focus groups about stroke and Stroke Counseling for Risk Reduction. RESULTS Screening survey respondents (N = 81) were reached mostly by word of mouth (42%) and social media (28%). Focus group participants (N = 32) recommended appropriate incentives and social media to recruit young AA men for research. They also suggested learning about the study from a friend, colleague, or study participant could motivate participation. CONCLUSION The plan was successful in reaching and enrolling an adequate sample. Findings and recommendations highlight the importance of social networks and trusted sources.
Collapse
|
5
|
Shaw AR, Vidoni ED, Key MN, Yates BA, Thorpe R. Using Focus Groups to Explore Older Black Men's Perception of Dietary Interventions. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883241241973. [PMID: 38613210 PMCID: PMC11015773 DOI: 10.1177/15579883241241973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Older Black men are underrepresented in research despite being disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors related to AD compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Although dietary interventions have shown promise to reduce modifiable CV risk factors related to AD, Black Americans have lower adherence likely due to lack of cultural considerations. Using a noninterventional convergent parallel mixed-methods approach, this study examined the cultural contexts that inform perceptions of dietary interventions among older Midwestern Black men. All participants completed an online demographic and dietary habit survey prior to focus group discussions. Two focus group discussion sessions were conducted with a total of 10 cognitively normal Black men aged 55 years and older. Survey data were analyzed using a frequency analysis and qualitative data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis process. Most men indicated having hypertension (N = 7, 77.8%) and currently not following a dietary eating pattern (N = 8, 88.9%). Emerging themes identified included (1) knowledge of dementia, (2) perceptions of dietary interventions, (3) barriers impacting participation in dietary interventions, and (4) overcoming barriers to engage Black men in dietary interventions. Findings from this study should inform the design of future dietary interventions for AD prevention to enhance participation among older Black men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Shaw
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Eric D. Vidoni
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Mickeal N. Key
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Brandon A. Yates
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Roland Thorpe
- Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alick CL, Samuel-Hodge C, Ammerman A, Ellis KR, Rini C, Tate DF. Motivating Weight Loss Among Black Adults in Relationships: Recommendations for Weight Loss Interventions. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2023; 50:97-106. [PMID: 36245237 PMCID: PMC9902993 DOI: 10.1177/10901981221129182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black men and women have the highest rates of obesity in the United States. Behavioral weight loss programs incorporating intimate partners may be effective in combating obesity among this population. Yet, current participation in these programs is low. Identifying motivations and triggers to weight loss may provide insight in designing programs to increase participation. AIM To determine triggers and motivations for weight loss among Black men and women in committed relationships to inform development of weight loss interventions. METHOD Twenty semi-structured interviews, based on an integrated theoretical framework of interdependence and communal coping and the social cognitive theory, were conducted among Black heterosexual couples where one or both individuals intentionally lost ≥5% of their body weight in the last 6 months in a metropolitan region in a southern state. Interviews were transcribed and coded. Themes were identified following multi-rater coding and direct and conventional content analysis. Recommendations were developed from emergent themes. RESULTS Among individuals with recent weight loss, personal relevancy and awareness (health awareness and self-awareness) were identified as personal triggers for weight loss initiation. Health concerns and appearance were general motivations among the total sample. CONCLUSION Emphasizing the impact of weight on daily functioning and quality of life, and increasing awareness of personal weight status and health consequences, may increase weight loss initiation and participation in weight loss programs among Black men and women in committed relationships. Findings also highlight strategies to improve recruitment and retention and guide intervention development and implementation for this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Candice L. Alick
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Alice Ammerman
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Deborah F. Tate
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Turner-McGrievy GM, Wilcox S, Frongillo EA, Murphy EA, Hutto B, Wilson M, Davey M, Bernhart JA, Okpara N, Bailey S, Hu E. Effect of a Plant-Based vs Omnivorous Soul Food Diet on Weight and Lipid Levels Among African American Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2250626. [PMID: 36633848 PMCID: PMC9857469 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.50626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE More African American individuals die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than any other chronic disease condition. Despite this disparity, African American individuals are underrepresented in nutrition and CVD interventions. OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of an entirely plant-based (vegan) or low-fat omnivorous (omni) diet on change in body weight and lipids during a 2-year intervention. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Nutritious Eating With Soul (NEW Soul) study was a 2-year, randomized clinical trial conducted in 2 cohorts (2018-2020 and 2019-2021) that took place in a university teaching kitchen in Columbia, South Carolina (before March 2020), and via online videoconference sessions (after March 2020). Participants included African American adults aged 18 to 65 years with overweight or obesity (body mass index of 25.0-49.9) and without type 2 diabetes, uncontrolled thyroid disease, recent weight loss, or pregnancy. Data assessors and statisticians were blinded to study condition. Data analysis was performed from March to June 2022. INTERVENTIONS The intervention included weekly nutrition classes for 6 months biweekly classes for 6 months, and monthly classes for 12 months. Dietary interventions either emphasized no animal product intake (vegan) or a low-fat omnivorous diet (omni). Both dietary patterns emphasized soul food cuisine (traditional African American southern foodways). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcomes included change in body weight and lipid measures at 12 months. RESULTS There were 568 participants who completed an online screening questionnaire; 409 were excluded and 159 were randomized (77 to the vegan group and 82 to the omni group). Of the 159 participants (mean [SD] age, 48.4 [10.6] years; 126 female [79%]) who began the study, the main outcome of body weight was obtained for 121 participants (76%) at 12 months. There were no differences in outcomes between groups, including 12-month changes in weight (mean, -2.39 kg [95% CI, -3.48 to -1.30 kg] for the vegan group vs -2.03 kg [95% CI, -3.07 to -1.00 kg] for the omni group; P = .64), total cholesterol (-1.05 mg/dL [95% CI, -9.60 to 7.50 mg/dL] for the vegan group vs 1.66 mg/dL [95% CI, -7.20 to 10.50 mg/dL] for the omni group; P = .67), or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean, -2.56 mg/dL [95% CI, -9.52 to 4.40 mg/dL] for the vegan group vs -0.79 mg/dL [95% CI, -7.98 to 6.40 mg/dL] for the omni group; P = .73). Weight loss at 12 months among cohort 1, whose weight was assessed in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, was significantly greater than that for cohort 2, whose weight was assessed summer 2020 during COVID-19 (-3.45 kg [95% CI, -4.67 to -2.22 kg] vs -1.24 kg [95% CI, -2.24 to -0.25 kg]; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this randomized clinical trial examining weight loss and CVD risk factor reduction among African American adults, there were no differences between the groups, and the magnitude of changes overall was small. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03354377.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle M. Turner-McGrievy
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - Sara Wilcox
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - Edward A. Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | | | - Brent Hutto
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - Mary Wilson
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - Marty Davey
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - John A. Bernhart
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - Nkechi Okpara
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - Shiba Bailey
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - Emily Hu
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bernhart JA, Fellers AW, Turner-McGrievy G, Wilson MJ, Hutto B. Socially Distanced Data Collection: Lessons Learned Using Electronic Bluetooth Scales to Assess Weight. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2022; 49:10901981221104723. [PMID: 35971569 DOI: 10.1177/10901981221104723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. Electronic Bluetooth scales (e-scales) may be useful for remote weight assessment. This study analyzed predictors of engagement with e-scales and feasibility for remote weight assessment. Method. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, participants (n = 150, 100% African American, 79% female, average age 48.2 ± 10.6 years) in an ongoing trial were invited to receive an e-scale. Participants had 1 month to complete a weigh-in. Email, text, and phone call reminders were sent. Data were analyzed using descriptive approaches and logistic regression. Results. Seventy-five participants (50% of sample) elected to receive an e-scale. Older participants (t = -2.01, p = .05) and a greater proportion of females (χ2 = 7.8, p < .01) signed up to receive an e-scale. An average of 2.6 ± 1.3 reminders was required. Most participants who received an e-scale completed a weigh-in (n = 70). Discussion. Half the sample elected to receive an e-scale. Strategies to increase willingness among men and younger adults to sign up to receive an e-scale are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley W Fellers
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | | | - Brent Hutto
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Darko EM, Kleib M, Olson J. Social Media Use for Research Participant Recruitment: Integrative Literature Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e38015. [PMID: 35925655 PMCID: PMC9389385 DOI: 10.2196/38015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media tools have provided health researchers with the opportunity to engage with communities and groups in a nonconventional manner to recruit participants for health research. Using social media to advertise research opportunities and recruit participants facilitates accessibility to participants from broad geographical areas and diverse populations. However, little guidance is provided by ethics review boards for researchers to effectively use this recruitment method in their research. OBJECTIVE This study sought to explore the literature on the use of social media for participant recruitment for research studies and identify the best practices for recruiting participants using this method. METHODS An integrative review approach was used to synthesize the literature. A total of 5 health sciences databases, namely, EMBASE (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid and EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), and CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCOhost), were searched using predefined keywords and inclusion and exclusion criteria. The initial search was conducted in October 2020 and was updated in February 2022. Descriptive and content analyses were applied to synthesize the results, and the findings are presented in a narrative and tabular format. RESULTS A total of 96 records were included in this review, 83 (86%) from the initial search and 13 (14%) from the updated search. The publication year ranged between 2011 and 2022, with most publications (63/96, 66%) being from the United States. Regarding recruitment strategy, 45% (43/96) of the studies exclusively used social media, whereas 51% (49/96) used social media in conjunction with other strategies. The remaining 4% (4/96) provided guidelines and recommendations for social media recruitment. Notably, 38% (36/96) of these studies involved hard-to-reach populations. The findings also revealed that the use of social media is a cost-effective and efficient strategy for recruiting research participants. Despite the expanded use across different populations, there is limited participation of older adults in social media recruitment. CONCLUSIONS This review provides important insights into the current use of social media for health research participant recruitment. Ethics boards and research support services in academic institutions are encouraged to explicitly provide researchers with guidelines on the use of social media for health research participant recruitment. A preliminary guideline prepared based on the findings of this review is proposed to spark further development in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Mirekuwaa Darko
- College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Manal Kleib
- College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Joanne Olson
- College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|