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Qui M, Hariharaputran S, Hang SK, Zhang J, Tan CW, Chong CY, Low J, Wang L, Bertoletti A, Yung CF, Le Bert N. T cell hybrid immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in children: a longitudinal study. EBioMedicine 2024; 105:105203. [PMID: 38896919 PMCID: PMC11237860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hybrid immunity to SARS-CoV-2, resulting from both vaccination and natural infection, remains insufficiently understood in paediatric populations, despite increasing rates of breakthrough infections among vaccinated children. METHODS We conducted a prospective longitudinal study to investigate the magnitude, specificity, and cytokine profile of antigen-specific T cell responses elicited by breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of mRNA-vaccinated children (n = 29) aged 5-11. This longitudinal analysis involved six distinct time points spanning a 16-month period post-vaccination, during which we analysed a total of 159 blood samples. All children who were followed for at least 12 months (n = 26) experienced a breakthrough infection. We conducted cytokine release assays using minimal blood samples, and we verified the cellular origin of these responses through intracellular cytokine staining. FINDINGS After breakthrough infection, children who had received mRNA vaccines showed enhanced Th1 responses specific to Spike peptides. Additionally, their Spike-specific T cells exhibited a distinctive enrichment of CD4+ IFN-γ+IL10+ cells, a characteristic akin to adults with hybrid immunity. Importantly, vaccination did not impede the development of multi-specific T cell responses targeting Membrane, Nucleoprotein, and ORF3a/7/8 antigens. INTERPRETATION Children, previously primed with a Spike-based mRNA vaccine and experiencing either symptomatic or asymptomatic breakthrough infection, retained the ability to enhance and diversify Th1/IL-10 antigen-specific T cell responses against multiple SARS-CoV-2 proteins. These findings mirror characteristics associated with hybrid cellular immunity in adults, known to confer resistance against severe COVID-19. FUNDING This study was funded by the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Singapore (COVID19RF-0019, MOH-000019, MOH-000535, OFLCG19May-0034 and MOH-OFYIRG19nov-0002).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Qui
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Shou Kit Hang
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jinyan Zhang
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Chee Wah Tan
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chia Yin Chong
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases Service, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jenny Low
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore General Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore
| | - Linfa Wang
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network, A∗STAR, Singapore
| | - Chee Fu Yung
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases Service, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Nina Le Bert
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
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Gesualdo P, Melin J, Karban R, Crouch C, Killian M, Hopkins D, Adamsson A, Stock J, Johnson SB, Baxter J. Structures and Strategies for Retaining an International Pediatric Cohort from Birth: Lessons from The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) Study. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4421364. [PMID: 38883796 PMCID: PMC11177994 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4421364/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Retention of study participants in observational studies is essential to maintaining the representativeness of the population, minimizing selection bias, and assuring sufficient statistical power. The aim of this report is to describe the structures and strategies used to retain participants in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) Study, an observational study of children at increased genetic risk for type 1 diabetes followed in an intense protocol with frequent clinic visits from birth until age 15. Methods A systematic review of methodologies used to retain research subjects identified four domains: barrier reduction strategies; community building strategies; follow-up/reminder strategies; and tracing strategies. Independent reviewers categorized the retention strategies implemented by the TEDDY Study into each of these domains. Strategies not fitting into any of these categories were placed into a fifth category unique to TEDDY. Results TEDDY identified over one hundred retention strategies used during the 15 years of follow-up; most could be categorized in these domains. Those unique to TEDDY included (1) study organization and structures to support retention; (2) efforts to meet the changing developmental needs of the TEDDY population, (3) implementation of efforts to address protocol challenges in real-time; and (4) employment of a re-engagement protocol for those who had dropped out of the study. Conclusion Pediatric cohort studies should include strategies, structures, and resources addressing retention at the study's initiation. It is recommended that child and parent engagement in addition to the developmental needs of the child be an integrated focus of all strategies. Putting mechanisms in place to address protocol and retention challenges in real time would facilitate effectively addressing challenges as they arise. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00279318.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Gesualdo
- University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | | | - Rachel Karban
- University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Claire Crouch
- Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Michael Killian
- Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Diane Hopkins
- Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | | | | | | | - Judith Baxter
- University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
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Helin M, Karukivi M, Rautava P, Hirvonen M, Huhtala M, Setänen S. Pre-notifications increase retention in a 17-year follow-up of adolescents born very preterm. Trials 2023; 24:477. [PMID: 37496017 PMCID: PMC10373294 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07390-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Retention is essential in follow-up studies to reduce missing data, which can cause bias and limit the generalizability of the results. We investigated whether pre-notification letters would increase the response rates of approval forms and questionnaires and reduce the need for post-notifications in a prospective follow-up study of 17-year-old adolescents. STUDY DESIGN and settings This long-term follow-up study included 269 adolescents were randomized (1:1) into a pre-notification group (n = 132) and a no pre-notification group (n = 137). The pre-notification letter was sent prior to the approval form and questionnaires. The outcome measures were the response rates to the approval forms and questionnaires and the rate of post-notifications required. RESULTS The adolescents who received the pre-notifications were more likely to return approval forms (n = 88/132, 67%) than the adolescents who did not receive the pre-notifications (n = 79/137, 58%) (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.9-2.4). The rates of returned questionnaires were higher in the pre-notification group (n = 82/88, 93%) than in the no pre-notification group (n = 68/79, 86%) (OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.8-6.3). The adolescents who did not receive the pre-notifications were more likely to need the post-notifications than the adolescents who received the pre-notifications (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.4 to 6.5). CONCLUSIONS Pre-notifications decreased the need for post-notifications and may increase retention in 17-year-old adolescents. Based on our findings, pre-notification letters are recommended in future follow-up studies in adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION The Ethics Review Committee of the Hospital District of South-West Finland approved the 17-year PIPARI Study protocol in January 2018 (23.1.2018; 2/180/2012). The study has been registered to the SWAT repository as SWAT 179. Filetoupload,1457904,en.pdf (qub.ac.uk).
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Affiliation(s)
- Minttu Helin
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Turku University Hospital and the University of Turku, Savitehtaankatu 5, 20521, Turku, Finland.
| | - Max Karukivi
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and the University of Turku, Kunnallissairaalantie 20, 20700, Turku, Finland
| | - Päivi Rautava
- Turku Clinical Research Center, Turku University Hospital, poBOX 52, 20521, Turku, Finland
- Public Health, University of Turku, 20014 Turun yliopisto, Turku, Finland
| | - Milka Hirvonen
- The Faculty of Medicine, the University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Mira Huhtala
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and the University of Turku, Savitehtaankatu 5, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Sirkku Setänen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Turku University Hospital and the University of Turku, Savitehtaankatu 5, 20521, Turku, Finland
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Henderson KH, Helmkamp LJ, Steiner JF, Havranek EP, Vupputuri SX, Hanratty R, Blair IV, Maertens JA, Dickinson M, Daugherty SL. Relationship Between Social Vulnerability Indicators and Trial Participant Attrition: Findings From the HYVALUE Trial. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2022; 15:e007709. [PMID: 35418247 PMCID: PMC9117483 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.120.007709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social vulnerability indicators are associated with health care inequities and may similarly impede ongoing participation in research studies. We evaluated the association of social vulnerability indicators and research participant attrition in a trial focused on reducing health disparities. METHODS Self-identified White or Black adults enrolled in the HYVALUE trial (Hypertension and VALUEs), a randomized trial testing a values-affirmation intervention on medication adherence, from February 2017 to September 2019 were included. The self-reported measures of social vulnerability indicators included: (1) Black race; (2) female gender; (3) no health insurance; (4) unemployment; (5) a high school diploma or less; and (6) financial-resource strain. Full attrition was defined as not completing at least one 3- or 6-month follow-up study visit. Log-binomial regression models adjusted for age, gender, race, medical comorbidities, and the other social vulnerability indicators to estimate the relative risk of each social vulnerability indicator with study attrition. RESULTS Among 825 participants, the mean age was 63.3 years (±11.7 years), 60% were women, 54% were Black, and 97% reported at least one social vulnerability. Overall, 21% participants had full attrition after study enrollment. After adjustment for all other social vulnerabilities, only financial-resource strain remained consistently associated with full attrition (relative risk, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.28-2.29]). In a secondary analysis of partial attrition (completed only one follow-up visit), financial-resource strain (relative risk, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.09-1.81]) and being uninsured (relative risk, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.01-2.34]) were associated with partial attrition. CONCLUSIONS In a trial aimed at reducing disparities in medication adherence, participants who reported financial-resource strain had a higher risk of participant attrition independent of race or gender. Our findings suggest that efforts to retain diverse populations in clinical trials should extend beyond race and gender to consider other social vulnerability indicators. REGISTRATION URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; Unique identifier: NCT03028597.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal H Henderson
- Rocky Mountain Regional Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO (K.H.H.).,Division of Cardiology (K.H.H., E.P.H., S.L.D.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Laura J Helmkamp
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (L.J.H., E.P.H., J.A.M., M.D., S.L.D.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - John F Steiner
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Institute for Health Research, Denver, CO (J.F.S.)
| | - Edward P Havranek
- Division of Cardiology (K.H.H., E.P.H., S.L.D.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.,Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (L.J.H., E.P.H., J.A.M., M.D., S.L.D.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.,Department of Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, CO (E.P.H., R.H.)
| | - Suma X Vupputuri
- Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Rockville, MD (S.X.V.)
| | - Rebecca Hanratty
- Department of Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, CO (E.P.H., R.H.)
| | - Irene V Blair
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder (I.V.B.)
| | - Julie A Maertens
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (L.J.H., E.P.H., J.A.M., M.D., S.L.D.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Miriam Dickinson
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (L.J.H., E.P.H., J.A.M., M.D., S.L.D.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Stacie L Daugherty
- Division of Cardiology (K.H.H., E.P.H., S.L.D.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.,Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (L.J.H., E.P.H., J.A.M., M.D., S.L.D.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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Mistry A, Odwar B, Olewe F, Kurtis J, Moormann AM, Ong’echa JM. Pediatric Participant Retention Rates in a Longitudinal Malaria Immunology Study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:tpmd211052. [PMID: 35436763 PMCID: PMC9209909 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The resurgence of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites continues to motivate the development of a safe and efficacious malaria vaccine. Immuno-epidemiologic studies of naturally acquired immunity (NAI) have been a useful strategy to identify new malaria vaccine targets. However, retention of pediatric participants throughout longitudinal studies is essential for gathering comprehensive exposure and outcome data. Within the context of a 3-year cohort (N = 400) study involving monthly finger prick and bi-annual venous blood sample collections, we conducted qualitative surveys to assess factors impacting participant retention. Phase 1 was conducted 3 months after enrollment in July 2018 and phase 2, 12 months later. In phase 1, 236 parents/guardians participated in focus groups and three withdrawn participants and 10 community health volunteers (CHVs) in key informant interviews. Qualitative analysis indicated overall satisfaction with the study, with 61.8% (136/220 respondents) reporting no concerns. Focus group discussants associated attendance with benefits such as improved access to comprehensive healthcare services. Community health volunteers reported concerns over village rumors of inappropriate use of blood samples and dangers associated with venous blood draws. Phase 2 involved 205 parents/guardians and revealed continued satisfaction, with 46.3% (95/205) identifying no concerns, but expressed increasing worries regarding the amount of venous blood sample. This concern was reflected in an uptick of missed visits when venous blood samples were scheduled. Future studies will address parental concerns to determine whether community engagement and education measures increase study retention until completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushay Mistry
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Boaz Odwar
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | | | - Ann M. Moormann
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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Phipatanakul W, Mauger DT, Guilbert TW, Bacharier LB, Durrani S, Jackson DJ, Martinez FD, Fitzpatrick AM, Cunningham A, Kunselman S, Wheatley LM, Bauer C, Davis CM, Geng B, Kloepfer KM, Lapin C, Liu AH, Pongracic JA, Teach SJ, Chmiel J, Gaffin JM, Greenhawt M, Gupta MR, Lai PS, Lemanske RF, Morgan WJ, Sheehan WJ, Stokes J, Thorne PS, Oettgen HC, Israel E. Preventing asthma in high risk kids (PARK) with omalizumab: Design, rationale, methods, lessons learned and adaptation. Contemp Clin Trials 2021; 100:106228. [PMID: 33242697 PMCID: PMC7887056 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Asthma remains one of the most important challenges to pediatric public health in the US. A large majority of children with persistent and chronic asthma demonstrate aeroallergen sensitization, which remains a pivotal risk factor associated with the development of persistent, progressive asthma throughout life. In individuals with a tendency toward Type 2 inflammation, sensitization and exposure to high concentrations of offending allergens is associated with increased risk for development of, and impairment from, asthma. The cascade of biological responses to allergens is primarily mediated through IgE antibodies and their production is further stimulated by IgE responses to antigen exposure. In addition, circulating IgE impairs innate anti-viral immune responses. The latter effect could magnify the effects of another early life exposure associated with increased risk of the development of asthma - viral infections. Omalizumab binds to circulating IgE and thus ablates antigen signaling through IgE-related mechanisms. Further, it has been shown restore IFN-α response to rhinovirus and to reduce asthma exacerbations during the viral season. We therefore hypothesized that early blockade of IgE and IgE mediated responses with omalizumab would prevent the development and reduce the severity of asthma in those at high risk for developing asthma. Herein, we describe a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of omalizumab in 2-3 year old children at high risk for development of asthma to prevent the development and reduce the severity of asthma. We describe the rationale, methods, and lessons learned in implementing this potentially transformative trial aimed at prevention of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Phipatanakul
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Allergy and Immunology, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
| | - David T Mauger
- Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, United States of America
| | - Theresa W Guilbert
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Leonard B Bacharier
- Washington University and St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Sandy Durrani
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | | | - Fernando D Martinez
- Asthma and Airway Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | | | - Amparito Cunningham
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Allergy and Immunology, United States of America
| | - Susan Kunselman
- Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, United States of America
| | - Lisa M Wheatley
- NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Cindy Bauer
- Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Carla M Davis
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Bob Geng
- Rady Children's Hospital, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Kirsten M Kloepfer
- Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Craig Lapin
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary Hartford, CT, United States of America
| | - Andrew H Liu
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline A Pongracic
- Ann and Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Stephen J Teach
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - James Chmiel
- NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Jonathan M Gaffin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Matthew Greenhawt
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Meera R Gupta
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Peggy S Lai
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Wayne J Morgan
- Asthma and Airway Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - William J Sheehan
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Stokes
- Washington University and St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Peter S Thorne
- University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Hans C Oettgen
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Allergy and Immunology, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Elliot Israel
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Divisions of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Allergy and Immunology, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Everhart RS, Mazzeo SE, Corona R, Holder RL, Thacker LR, Schechter MS. A community-based asthma program: Study design and methods of RVA Breathes. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 97:106121. [PMID: 32822827 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Disparities in pediatric asthma morbidity and healthcare utilization exist on the basis of race, ethnicity, environment, and income; interventions are needed to address these inequities. The following protocol describes an evidence-based intervention, RVA Breathes, designed to coordinate pediatric asthma care across family, home, community, and medical sectors. Community stakeholder feedback was utilized to refine the intervention specifically for the Richmond, Virginia community. The aims of this study are to assess the effect of RVA Breathes on asthma-related healthcare utilization, as well as secondary outcomes of asthma control, asthma symptoms, and quality of life. We will enroll 300 elementary school children from the Richmond City Public School system. Participants will be between the ages of 5-11, have a diagnosis of asthma, and have had an asthma exacerbation (as indicated by an asthma-related ED visit, hospitalization, unscheduled PCP visit, or use of systemic steroids) in the last two years. Participants will be randomized to one of three groups: asthma education + home environment remediation + school intervention, asthma education + home environment remediation, or a comparator condition. Data will be collected across one baseline research visit, four intervention sessions, and four follow-up research visits over the course of 18 months. A General Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) will be used to test primary aims. We expect the findings will provide support for coordination of asthma care across sectors. Further, we hope RVA Breathes will serve as a model of community-based pediatric asthma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin S Everhart
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America.
| | - Suzanne E Mazzeo
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Rosalie Corona
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Rachel L Holder
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Leroy R Thacker
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Michael S Schechter
- Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Richmond, VA, United States of America
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Gerstner D, Alsaeedi T, Jenkac C, Weilnhammer V, Heinze S, Herr CEW. Prädiktoren der Teilnahmebereitschaft von Jugendlichen in Langzeitstudien: Ergebnisse der Ohrkan Kohortenstudie zur Freizeitlärmexposition. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2019; 83:143-146. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1005-7110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund und Ziel In Kohortenstudien kann der Verlust von Teilnehmern während der Nachbeobachtungsphasen zu Verzerrungen führen, wenn sich Teilnehmer und Nichtteilnehmer unterscheiden. Viele Studien haben den Einfluss soziodemografischer und gesundheitlicher Faktoren auf die Teilnahmebereitschaft untersucht, es liegen jedoch nur relativ wenige Studien für schulbasierte Kohorten vor. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Bestimmung von Prädiktoren der Teilnahmebereitschaft im Rahmen der Ohrkan Kohortenstudie, die die Exposition von Jugendlichen gegenüber Freizeitlärm und mögliche Effekte auf das Hörvermögen im Zeitverlauf untersucht.
Methoden Die Daten dieser Studie basieren auf den Angaben der Ohrkankohorte (n=2148), die 2009–2011 (O-I) unter den Neuntklässlern weiterführender Schulen in Regensburg rekrutiert und 2012–14 (O-II) und 2015–16 (O-III) nachbefragt wurde.
Ergebnisse Die Teilnahmewahrscheinlichkeit in O-II und O-III war höher für Personen ohne Migrationshintergrund, die zu Studienbeginn das Gymnasium besuchten und deren Eltern ein höheres Bildungsniveau hatten oder zusammenlebten. Auch nahmen Personen, die in den letzten 2,5 Jahren ihren Wohnort nicht gewechselt hatten, 3-mal so häufig teil wie Befragte mit Wohnortwechsel.
Schlussfolgerung Die Kenntnis von Merkmalen der Studienteilnehmer, die die Teilnahmebereitschaft vorhersagen, ermöglicht durch gezielte Ansprache den Verlust von Studienteilnehmern zu reduzieren bzw. die statistische Korrektur von fehlenden Daten.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Gerstner
- Sachgebiet Arbeits- und Umweltmedizin/ Epidemiologie, Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, München
| | - Taghreed Alsaeedi
- Sachgebiet Arbeits- und Umweltmedizin/ Epidemiologie, Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, München
| | - Christina Jenkac
- Krebszentrum München CCC LMU, Klinikum der Universität München, München
| | - Veronika Weilnhammer
- Sachgebiet Arbeits- und Umweltmedizin/ Epidemiologie, Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, München
| | - Stefanie Heinze
- Sachgebiet Arbeits- und Umweltmedizin/ Epidemiologie, Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, München
| | - Caroline Eva Wella Herr
- Sachgebiet Arbeits- und Umweltmedizin/ Epidemiologie, Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, München
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MacBean V, Drysdale SB, Zivanovic S, Peacock JL, Greenough A. Participant retention in follow-up studies of prematurely born children. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1233. [PMID: 31492117 PMCID: PMC6729033 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7575-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Follow-up studies of infants born prematurely are essential to understand the long-term consequences of preterm birth and the efficacy of interventions delivered in the neonatal period. Retention of participants for follow-up studies, however, is challenging, with attrition rates of up to 70%. Our aim was to examine retention rates in two follow-up studies of prematurely born children and identify participant or study characteristics that were associated with higher attrition, and to discuss retention strategies with regard to the literature. Methods Data from children recruited at birth to one of two studies of prematurely born infants were assessed. The two studies were the United Kingdom Oscillation Study (UKOS, a randomised study comparing two modes of neonatal ventilation in infants born less than 29 weeks of gestational age (GA)), and an observational study examining the impact of viral lower respiratory tract infections in infancy in those born less than 36 weeks of GA (virus study). The UKOS participants, but not those in the virus study, had regularly been contacted throughout the follow-up period. UKOS subjects were followed up at 11 to 14 years of age and subjects in the virus study at 5–7 years of age. At follow up in both studies, pulmonary function and respiratory morbidity were assessed. Retention rates to follow-up in the two studies and baseline characteristics of those who were and were not retained were assessed. Results Retention was significantly higher in UKOS than the virus study (61% versus 35%, p < 0.0001). Subjects lost to UKOS follow up had greater deprivation scores (p < 0.001), a greater likelihood of intrauterine tobacco exposure (p = 0.001) and were more likely to be of non-white ethnicity (p < 0.001). In the virus study, those lost to follow-up had higher birth weights (p = 0.036) and were less likely to be oxygen dependent at hospital discharge (p = 0.003) or be part of a multiple birth (p = 0.048). Conclusions Higher retention was demonstrated when there was regular contact in the follow-up period. Both social factors and initial illness severity affected the retention into follow-up studies of prematurely born infants, though these factors were not consistent across the two studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria MacBean
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Simon B Drysdale
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Janet L Peacock
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anne Greenough
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK. .,Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK. .,The Asthma UK Centre for Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, London, UK.
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10
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Goldman H, Fagnano M, Perry TT, Weisman A, Drobnica A, Halterman JS. Recruitment and retention of the Hardest-to-Reach families in community-based asthma interventions. Clin Trials 2018; 15:543-550. [PMID: 30101615 DOI: 10.1177/1740774518793598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Engaging underserved populations in research requires substantial effort for recruitment and retention. The objective of this study is to describe the effort needed to recruit and retain urban participants in pediatric asthma studies and to characterize the Hardest-to-Reach group by demographics and asthma severity. METHODS We included 311 children (3-10 years) with persistent asthma enrolled in two school-based asthma interventions in Rochester, NY. Contact logs were collected at four time points (baseline, 2 month, 4 month, 6 month). We defined "Hardest-to-Reach" (vs "Easier-to-Reach") as being unable to reach a family by telephone at any given contact attempt due to disconnected or wrong numbers. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare groups. RESULTS Overall, we enrolled 311 children (60% Black, 29% Hispanic, 70% Medicaid, response rate 70%). On average, 3.1 contact attempts were required for recruitment (range 1-15), and 35% required rescheduling at least once for the enrollment visit. All but 12 participants completed each follow-up (retention rate = 96%). Completion of follow-ups required an average of 7.6 attempts; we considered 38% of caregivers "Hardest-to-Reach." Caregivers in the Hardest-to-Reach group were slightly younger (33 vs 36 years, p = 0.007) with more depressive symptoms (41% vs 29%, p = 0.035) and smokers in the home (59% vs 48%, p = 0.048). Furthermore, more of the Hardest-to-Reach children had moderate-severe versus mild persistent asthma (64% vs 52%, p = 0.045). Importantly, even the Easier-to-Reach families required many contact attempts, with 52% having >5 attempts for at least one follow-up. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we found that among an already vulnerable population, the Hardest-to-Reach families demonstrated higher risk and had children with significantly worse asthma. This study highlights the importance of persistence in reaching those in greatest need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary Goldman
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Maria Fagnano
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Tamara T Perry
- 2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Ariel Weisman
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Drobnica
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jill S Halterman
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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11
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Dareng EO, Olaniyan Y, Adebamowo SN, Eseyin OR, Odutola MK, Obiefuna EM, Offiong RA, Pharoah PP, Adebamowo CA. Age, HIV status, and research context determined attrition in a longitudinal cohort in Nigeria. J Clin Epidemiol 2018; 100:32-43. [PMID: 29679747 PMCID: PMC8015251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We explored determinants of attrition in a longitudinal cohort study in Nigeria. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We enrolled 1,020 women into a prospective study. Of these, 973 were eligible to return for follow-up. We investigated the determinants of attrition among eligible women using a sequential mixed methods design. We used logistic regression models to compare the baseline characteristics of responders and nonresponders. At the end of the parent study, we conducted four focus group discussions and eight key informant interviews with nonresponders. RESULTS Of the 973 women included in the quantitative analysis, 26% were nonresponders. From quantitative analysis, older women were less likely to drop out than younger women (reference: women ≤30 years; OR 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-0.70, P < 0.001 women 31-44 years; and OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.17-0.56, P < 0.001 women ≥45 years). HIV-positive women were also less likely to drop out of the study (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.33-0.63, P < 0.001). From qualitative analysis, contextual factors that influenced attrition were high cost of participation, therapeutic misconceptions, inaccurate expectations, spousal disapproval, unpleasant side effects, challenges in maintaining contact with participants, and participant difficulties in locating the study clinic. CONCLUSION Several participant-, research-, and environment-related factors influence attrition. Retention strategies that address these barriers are important to minimize attrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen O Dareng
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Office of Strategic Information, Research and Training, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Yinka Olaniyan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sally N Adebamowo
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Olabimpe R Eseyin
- Office of Strategic Information, Research and Training, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Michael K Odutola
- Office of Strategic Information, Research and Training, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Elonna M Obiefuna
- Office of Strategic Information, Research and Training, Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Richard A Offiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Paul P Pharoah
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Clement A Adebamowo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Bradley CB, Browne EN, Alexander AA, Collins J, Dahm JL, DiGuiseppi CG, Levy SE, Moody EJ, Schieve LA, Windham GC, Young L, Daniels JL. Demographic and Operational Factors Predicting Study Completion in a Multisite Case-Control Study of Preschool Children. Am J Epidemiol 2018; 187:592-603. [PMID: 29506195 PMCID: PMC5963499 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Participant attrition can limit inferences drawn from study results and inflate research costs. We examined factors associated with completion of the Study to Explore Early Development (2007-2011), a multiple-component, case-control study of risk factors for autism spectrum disorder in preschoolers, conducted in California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Participants (n = 3,769) were asked to complete phone interviews, questionnaires, an in-person evaluation, and biologic sampling. We examined whether participant demographic and administrative factors predicted completion using mixed-effects logistic regression models. Completion of individual key study components was generally 70% or higher. However, 58% of families completed all per-protocol data elements (defined a priori as key study components). Per-protocol completion differed according to mother's age, race, educational level, driving distance to clinic, number of contact attempts to enroll, and number of telephone numbers provided (all P < 0.05). Case status was not associated with completion, despite additional data collection for case-confirmation. Analysis of a subset that completed an early interview revealed no differences in completion by household factors of income, primary language spoken, number of adults, or number of children with chronic conditions. Differences in completion by race and education were notable and need to be carefully considered in developing future recruitment and completion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chyrise B. Bradley
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Erica N. Browne
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Aimee A. Alexander
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jack Collins
- Autism Research Program, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Oakland, California
| | - Jamie L. Dahm
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carolyn G. DiGuiseppi
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Susan E. Levy
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Eric J. Moody
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laura A. Schieve
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gayle C. Windham
- California Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Investigations Branch, Richmond, California
| | - Lisa Young
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Julie L. Daniels
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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13
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MacBean V, Drysdale SB, Yarzi MN, Peacock JL, Rafferty GF, Greenough A. Respiratory viral infections in infancy and school age respiratory outcomes and healthcare costs. Pediatr Pulmonol 2018; 53:342-348. [PMID: 29314779 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.23937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the impact of viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in infancy including rhinovirus (RV) and infancy respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), on school age pulmonary function and healthcare utilization in prematurely born children. WORKING HYPOTHESIS School age respiratory outcomes would be worse and healthcare utilization greater in children who had viral LRTIs in infancy. STUDY DESIGN Prospective study. SUBJECT SELECTION A cohort of prematurely born children who had symptomatic LRTIs during infancy documented, was recalled. METHODS Pulmonary function was assessed at 5 to 7 years of age and health related costs of care from aged one to follow-up determined. RESULTS Fifty-one children, median gestational age 33+6 weeks, were assessed at a median (IQR) age 7.03 (6.37-7.26) years. Twenty-one children had no LRTI, 14 RV LRTI, 10 RSV LRTI, and 6 another viral LRTI (other LRTI). Compared to the no LRTI group, the RV group had a lower FEV1 (P = 0.033) and the other LRTI group a lower FVC (P = 0.006). Non-respiratory medication costs were higher in the RV (P = 0.018) and RSV (P = 0.013) groups. Overall respiratory healthcare costs in the RV (£153/year) and RSV (£27/year) groups did not differ significantly from the no LRTI group (£56/year); the other LRTI group (£431/year) had higher respiratory healthcare costs (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS In moderately prematurely born children, RV and RSV LRTIs in infancy were not associated with higher respiratory healthcare costs after infancy. Children who experienced LRTIs caused by other respiratory viruses (including RV) had higher respiratory healthcare costs and greater pulmonary function impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria MacBean
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon B Drysdale
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Muska N Yarzi
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Janet L Peacock
- School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gerrard F Rafferty
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Greenough
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Effect of Physical Activity on Cognitive Development: Protocol for a 15-Year Longitudinal Follow-Up Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:8568459. [PMID: 29094050 PMCID: PMC5637843 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8568459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between physical activity as assessed by accelerometers and cognitive development across the human age ranges (from children and adolescents to adults). Additionally, this study seeks to explore whether physical activity contributes to cognitive development via modification of plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In the study, 500 preschool children (3.5–5.5 years old) are taking part in 6 triennial assessment waves over the span of 15 years. At each wave, participant measures included (a) 7-day physical activity monitoring using ActiGraph's GT3X accelerometers, (b) the evaluation of cognitive development, (c) anthropometric and physical fitness assessments, (d) plasma IGF-1 and BDNF concentrations, and (e) retrospective questionnaires. Linear regression models are used to examine the effect of physical activity on cognitive development; plasma IGF-1 and BDNF concentrations are considered as mediators into data analyses. The results of the study may help to inform future health interventions that utilize physical activity as a means to improve cognitive development in children, adolescents, and adults. Additionally, the study may assist in determining whether the putative effects occur via modification of plasma IGF-1 or BDNF concentrations.
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15
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Contactable Non-responders Show Different Characteristics Compared to Lost to Follow-Up Participants: Insights from an Australian Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study. Matern Child Health J 2017; 20:1472-84. [PMID: 26976281 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-016-1946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective This research aims to identify predictors of attrition in a longitudinal birth cohort study in Australia and assess differences in baseline characteristics and responses in subsequent follow-up phases between contactable non-responders and uncontactable non-responders deemed "lost to follow-up (LTF)". Methods 3368 women recruited from three public hospitals in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales during antenatal visits in 2006-2011 completed a baseline questionnaire to elicit information on multiple domains of exposures. A follow-up questionnaire was posted to each participant at 1 year after birth to obtain mother's and child's health and development information. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the association between exposures and respondents' status at 1 year. The effect of an inverse-probability-weighting method to adjust for non-response was studied. Results Overall attrition at 1-year was 35.4 %; major types of attrition were "contactable non-response" (27.6 %) and "LTF" (6.7 %). These two attrition types showed different responses at the 3-year follow-up and involved different predictors. Besides shared predictors (first language not English, higher risk of psychological distress, had smoked during pregnancy, higher levels of family conflict), distinguishable predictors of contactable non-responders were younger age, having moved home in the past year and having children under 16 in the household. Attrition rates increased substantially from 20 % in 2006 to 54 % in 2011. Conclusions This observed trend of increased attrition rates raises concern about the use of traditional techniques, such as "paper-based" questionnaires, in longitudinal cohort studies. The supplementary use of electronic communications, such as online survey tools and smart-device applications, could provide a better alternative.
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Huntington C, Newton JT, Donaldson N, Liossi C, Reynolds PA, Alharatani R, Hosey MT. Lessons learned on recruitment and retention in hard-to-reach families in a phase III randomised controlled trial of preparatory information for children undergoing general anaesthesia. BMC Oral Health 2017; 17:122. [PMID: 28882136 PMCID: PMC5590238 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-017-0411-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruitment and retention are documented as two of the most difficult elements of conducting clinical trials. These issues are even more challenging in paediatric trials, particularly when the families being recruited and retained are deemed 'hard to reach'. METHODS Through the authors' own reflection on the conduct of the trial this paper examines recruitment and retention with hard to reach families from the perspective of a recently completed clinical trial on preparatory information for children undergoing general anaesthesia for tooth extractions in which approximately 83% of those approached and eligible agreed to participate. RESULTS The lessons learned for recruitment include: the importance of children's assent; maximising limited resources when screening and approaching potential participants; valuing families' time; and developing effective professional relationships. The retention rate was 83-85.5% at follow up time points up to 3.5 weeks following recruitment, insights into how this was accomplished include: ensuring continuity of care; determination to connect via telephone; valuing families' time; and close monitoring of appointment date changes. CONCLUSIONS Implications for future paediatric trials with hard to reach families are discussed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN18265148 ; NIHR Portfolio 10,006. Date of Registration: 29 November 2013. The trial was registered after commencement but before completion of data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Huntington
- King's College London Dental Institute, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
| | - J Timothy Newton
- King's College London Dental Institute, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - N Donaldson
- King's College London Dental Institute, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - C Liossi
- University of Southampton and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - P A Reynolds
- King's College London Dental Institute, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - R Alharatani
- King's College London Dental Institute, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - M T Hosey
- King's College London Dental Institute, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9RS, UK
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Wu V, Abo-Sido N, Espinola JA, Tierney CN, Tedesco KT, Sullivan AF, Camargo CA. Predictors of successful telephone follow-up in a multicenter study of infants with severe bronchiolitis. Ann Epidemiol 2017; 27:454-458.e1. [PMID: 28645568 PMCID: PMC5550350 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the characteristics that predict successful telephone follow-up with parents of infants with severe bronchiolitis. METHODS We analyzed data from a 17-center, prospective cohort study of infants (age <1 year) hospitalized with bronchiolitis during three consecutive fall/winter seasons. Participant contact information and clinical data were collected during the index hospitalization. Parents were called at 6-month intervals (based on the child's age) after discharge to assess respiratory problems. The primary outcome was age 12-month telephone interview status. Participants were classified as unreachable after 28 days of unsuccessful attempts. RESULTS 798 of 916 children (87%) completed the age 12-month telephone interview. In unadjusted analyses, factors associated with successful follow-up included: private health insurance, annual household income $60,000 or more, and residing in the Northeast, Midwest, or West. Follow-up was less common among non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and households with 3 or more children. In multivariable analyses, follow-up was more likely among parents of females, and, compared with the South, in the Northeast and Midwest (all P < .05). Compared with non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics remained less likely to complete the interview as did households with 3 or more children (all P < .05). CONCLUSION Sociodemographic and geographic factors predict successful telephone follow-up, even among parents of infants with severe illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janice A Espinola
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Courtney N Tierney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Ashley F Sullivan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Carlos A Camargo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
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19
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Phipatanakul W, Koutrakis P, Coull BA, Kang CM, Wolfson JM, Ferguson ST, Petty CR, Samnaliev M, Cunningham A, Sheehan WJ, Gaffin JM, Baxi SN, Lai PS, Permaul P, Liang L, Thorne PS, Adamkiewicz G, Brennan KJ, Baccarelli AA, Gold DR. The School Inner-City Asthma Intervention Study: Design, rationale, methods, and lessons learned. Contemp Clin Trials 2017; 60:14-23. [PMID: 28619649 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States, causes significant morbidity, particularly in the inner-city, and accounts for billions of dollars in health care utilization. Home environments are established sources of exposure that exacerbate symptoms and home-based interventions are effective. However, elementary school children spend 7 to 12h a day in school, primarily in one classroom. From the observational School Inner-City Asthma Study we learned that student classroom-specific exposures are associated with worsening asthma symptoms and decline in lung function. We now embark on a randomized, blinded, sham-controlled school environmental intervention trial, built on our extensively established school/community partnerships, to determine the efficacy of a school-based intervention to improve asthma control. This factorial school/classroom based environmental intervention will plan to enroll 300 students with asthma from multiple classrooms in 40 northeastern inner-city elementary schools. Schools will be randomized to receive either integrated pest management versus control and classrooms within these schools to receive either air purifiers or sham control. The primary outcome is asthma symptoms during the school year. This study is an unprecedented opportunity to test whether a community of children can benefit from school or classroom environmental interventions. If effective, this will have great impact as an efficient, cost-effective intervention for inner city children with asthma and may have broad public policy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Phipatanakul
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Petros Koutrakis
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Brent A Coull
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Choong-Min Kang
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jack M Wolfson
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephen T Ferguson
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Carter R Petty
- Boston Children's Hospital, Clinical Research Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mihail Samnaliev
- Boston Children's Hospital, Clinical Research Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amparito Cunningham
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Boston, MA, United States
| | - William J Sheehan
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan M Gaffin
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Respiratory Diseases, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sachin N Baxi
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Peggy S Lai
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Perdita Permaul
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Liming Liang
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Peter S Thorne
- University of Iowa, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Iowa City, United States
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kasey J Brennan
- Columbia University School of Public Health, New York, Department of Environmental Health, New York, United States
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Columbia University School of Public Health, New York, Department of Environmental Health, New York, United States
| | - Diane R Gold
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Boston, MA, United States; Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Flores G, Portillo A, Lin H, Walker C, Fierro M, Henry M, Massey K. A successful approach to minimizing attrition in racial/ethnic minority, low-income populations. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2017; 5:168-174. [PMID: 28378019 PMCID: PMC5376068 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruiting and retaining minority participants in clinical trials continue to be major challenges. Although multiple studies document lower minority trial enrollment, much less is known about effective minority retention strategies. Our objectives were to evaluate an innovative approach to high RCT retention of minority children, and identify child/caregiver characteristics predicting attrition. METHODS The Kids' HELP trial examined the effects of Parent Mentors on insuring uninsured minority children. We tested a retention strategic framework consisting of: 1) optimizing cultural/linguistic competency; 2) staff training on participant relationships and trust; 3) comprehensive participant contact information; 4) an electronic tracking database; 5) reminders for upcoming outcomes-assessment appointments; 6) frequent, sustained contact attempts for non-respondents; 7) financial incentives; 8) individualized rapid-cycle quality-improvement approaches to non-respondents; 9) reinforcing study importance; and 10) home assessment visits. We compared attrition in Kids' HELP vs. two previous RCTs in similar populations, and conducted bivariate and multivariable analyses of factors associated with Kids' HELP attrition. RESULTS Attrition in Kids' HELP was lower than in two similar RCTs, at 10.9% vs. 37% and 40% (P <0.001). After multivariable adjustment, missing the first outcomes follow-up assessment was the only factor significantly associated with attrition (relative risk=1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.0). CONCLUSIONS A retention strategic framework was successful in minimizing attrition in minority, low-income children. Participants missing first assessment appointments were at highest risk of subsequent attrition. These findings suggest that deploying this framework may help RCT retention of low-income minority children, particularly those at the highest risk of subsequent attrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Flores
- Medica Research Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States; and Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; address: Medica Research Institute, MR-CW105, P.O. Box 9310, Minneapolis, MN 55440, United States
| | - Alberto Portillo
- Department of Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Management, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, NA2.110, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States
| | - Hua Lin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, United States
| | - Candy Walker
- Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn St, Dallas, TX 75219, United States
| | - Marco Fierro
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, United States
| | - Monica Henry
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, United States
| | - Kenneth Massey
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390, United States
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Mankikar D, Campbell C, Greenberg R. Evaluation of a Home-Based Environmental and Educational Intervention to Improve Health in Vulnerable Households: Southeastern Pennsylvania Lead and Healthy Homes Program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13090900. [PMID: 27618087 PMCID: PMC5036733 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13090900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
This evaluation examined whether participation in a home-based environmental educational intervention would reduce exposure to health and safety hazards and asthma-related medical visits. The home intervention program focused on vulnerable, low-income households, where children had asthma, were at risk for lead poisoning, or faced multiple unsafe housing conditions. Home visitors conducted two home visits, two months apart, consisting of an environmental home assessment, Healthy Homes education, and distribution of Healthy Homes supplies. Measured outcomes included changes in participant knowledge and awareness of environmental home-based hazards, rate of children’s asthma-related medical use, and the presence of asthma triggers and safety hazards. Analysis of 2013–2014 baseline and post-intervention program data for a cohort of 150 families revealed a significantly lower three-month rate (p < 0.05) of children’s asthma-related doctor visits and hospital admissions at program completion. In addition, there were significantly reduced reports of the presence of home-based hazards, including basement or roof leaks (p = 0.011), plumbing leaks (p = 0.019), and use of an oven to heat the home (p < 0.001). Participants’ pre- and post- test scores showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in knowledge and awareness of home hazards. Comprehensive home interventions may effectively reduce environmental home hazards and improve the health of asthmatic children in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Mankikar
- Public Health Management Corporation, Centre Square East 1500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
| | - Carla Campbell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
| | - Rachael Greenberg
- National Nurse-Led Care Consortium, Centre Square East 1500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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Nobile H, Bergmann MM, Moldenhauer J, Borry P. Participants' Accounts on Their Decision to Join a Cohort Study With an Attached Biobank: A Qualitative Content Analysis Study Within Two German Studies. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2016; 11:237-49. [PMID: 27381010 DOI: 10.1177/1556264616657463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reliable participation and sustained retention rates are crucial in longitudinal studies involving human subjects and biomaterials. Understanding the decision to enroll is an essential step to develop adequate strategies promoting long-term participation. Semi-structured interviews were implemented with newly recruited and long-term participants randomly drawn from two ongoing longitudinal studies with a biobank component in Germany. Iterative qualitative content analysis was applied to the transcribed interviews. Participants (n = 31) expressed their decision to enroll or remain in the study as the result of the complex interplay of individual factors, institutional cues, study-related features, and societal dynamics. Different forms of trust were identified as central within the elements used to explain participation and could be compared to Dibben, Morris, and Lean's dynamic model of interpersonal trust. Given these high levels of trust, an investigation of the morality of the trustful relationship at stake between participants and research(ers) is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Nobile
- German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany Center for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manuela M Bergmann
- German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | | | - Pascal Borry
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Factors influencing attrition in a multisite, randomized, clinical trial following traumatic brain injury in adolescence. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016; 30:E33-40. [PMID: 24842589 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attrition in longitudinal research negatively affects statistical power, disrupts statistical stability, and can produce unwanted bias. OBJECTIVE To investigate factors associated with shorter length of study participation and lower rates of study completion (ie, attrition) in a large, multisite, longitudinal, randomized, clinical trial examining the efficacy of a Web-based family problem-solving treatment following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adolescence. SETTING Five major trauma centers in the central and western regions of the United States. PARTICIPANTS Children (N = 132) aged 12 to 17 years hospitalized for complicated mild to severe TBI within the previous 6 months. RESULTS Completers had a higher primary caregiver education and higher family income than noncompleters, whereas ethnicity, latency to baseline assessment, and intervention group were not significantly associated with study completion. CONCLUSION This is the first study that has specifically examined factors of attrition in a pediatric TBI population. The results suggest that research on pediatric TBI populations may be biased toward higher-income families and highlights the importance of designing studies with increased awareness of the impact of participant demographic factors.
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Blake K, Holbrook JT, Antal H, Shade D, Bunnell HT, McCahan SM, Wise RA, Pennington C, Garfinkel P, Wysocki T. Use of mobile devices and the internet for multimedia informed consent delivery and data entry in a pediatric asthma trial: Study design and rationale. Contemp Clin Trials 2015; 42:105-18. [PMID: 25847579 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Phase III/IV clinical trials are expensive and time consuming and often suffer from poor enrollment and retention rates. Pediatric trials are particularly difficult because scheduling around the parent, participant and potentially other sibling schedules can be burdensome. We are evaluating using the internet and mobile devices to conduct the consent process and study visits in a streamlined pediatric asthma trial. Our hypothesis is that these study processes will be non-inferior and will be less expensive compared to a traditional pediatric asthma trial. MATERIALS/METHODS Parents and participants, aged 12 through 17 years, complete the informed consent process by viewing a multi-media website containing a consent video and study material in the streamlined trial. Participants are provided an iPad with WiFi and EasyOne spirometer for use during FaceTime visits and online twice daily symptom reporting during an 8-week run-in followed by a 12-week study period. Outcomes are compared with participants completing a similarly designed traditional trial comparing the same treatments within the same pediatric health-system. After 8 weeks of open-label Advair 250/50 twice daily, participants in both trial types are randomized to Advair 250/50, Flovent 250, or Advair 100/50 given 1 inhalation twice daily. Study staff track time spent to determine study costs. RESULTS Participants have been enrolled in the streamlined and traditional trials and recruitment is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS This project will provide important information on both clinical and economic outcomes for a novel method of conducting clinical trials. The results will be broadly applicable to trials of other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Blake
- Center for Pharmacogenomics and Translational Research, Nemours Children's Specialty Care, 807 Children's Way, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA.
| | - Janet T Holbrook
- Center for Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis, Johns Hopkins University, 415 N Washington Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Holly Antal
- Division of Psychiatry and Psychology, Nemours Children's Specialty Care, 807 Children's Way, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA.
| | - David Shade
- Center for Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis, Johns Hopkins University, 415 N Washington Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - H Timothy Bunnell
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
| | - Suzanne M McCahan
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
| | - Robert A Wise
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Chris Pennington
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
| | - Paul Garfinkel
- Nemours Office of Human Subjects Protection, Nemours Foundation, 10140 Centurion Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL 32256, USA.
| | - Tim Wysocki
- Center for Health Care Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Specialty Care, 807 Children's Way, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA.
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Huffaker M, Phipatanakul W. Introducing an environmental assessment and intervention program in inner-city schools. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 134:1232-1237. [PMID: 25441649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 09/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Home-based environmental interventions have demonstrated clinical benefit for children with asthma. Although much is known about school-based exposures, few studies have comprehensively examined the role the school environment plays in asthma and how effectively changing the environment might reduce morbidity when adjusting for exposures in the home. This review summarizes the importance and common challenges of school-based environmental assessment and intervention studies linked to health effects. We focus on the key components of study development and the challenges and benefits to implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Huffaker
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
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26
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Coutinho MT, Koinis-Mitchell D, Kopel SJ, Romero-Bosch L, Lobato D, McQuaid EL, Seifer R, Fritz GK, Canino G. Factors associated with recruitment and retention of diverse children with asthma. CHILDRENS HEALTH CARE 2014; 43:132-150. [PMID: 25013244 PMCID: PMC4084850 DOI: 10.1080/02739615.2013.837821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examines factors associated with recruitment and retention of Latino, Dominican (DR) and mainland Puerto Rican (PR), and non-Latino white (NLW) families into a pediatric asthma study. Over eleven hundred (n=1185) families were screened, and 489 (n= 174 NLW, n= 160 DR, n= 155 PR) were enrolled. Rates of recruitment by source of recruitment and rates of retention differed by ethnic group. Families whose caregiver had never married had lower odds of completing the study. The findings highlight the need for further study to examine the effectiveness of specific recruitment and retention strategies with Latino and non-Latino white families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Coutinho
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Daphne Koinis-Mitchell
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Sheryl J Kopel
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Lilia Romero-Bosch
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Debra Lobato
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Elizabeth L McQuaid
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Ronald Seifer
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Gregory K Fritz
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Glorisa Canino
- Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Jenerette CM, Brewer CA, Edwards LJ, Mishel MH, Gil KM. An Intervention to Decrease Stigma in Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease. West J Nurs Res 2013; 36:599-619. [DOI: 10.1177/0193945913512724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) are often stigmatized when they seek care for pain. The purpose of this pilot study was to test an intervention to decrease health-related stigma during care-seeking. Young adults with SCD ages 18 to 35 years ( n = 90) were randomized to either the care-seeking intervention (CSI) or an attention control group that participated in life review interviews. The two groups were compared by t tests and longitudinal data analyses on the change from baseline to the last time point in total health-related stigma and health-related stigma by doctors. Findings suggest that the CSI was associated with significant increased awareness of perceived total stigma and stigma by doctors compared with the attention control group. These findings are promising in terms of lessons learned from a pilot intervention that focused on the role communication skills play in decreasing health-related stigma in young adults with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Karen M. Gil
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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28
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Ezell JM, Saltzgaber J, Peterson E, Joseph CLM. Reconnecting with urban youth enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and overdue for a 12-month follow-up survey. Clin Trials 2013; 10:775-82. [PMID: 23983157 DOI: 10.1177/1740774513498320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retention of study participants in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is crucial to study validity. PURPOSE We analyzed the results of four retention strategies used to reconnect with urban teens enrolled in a school-based RCT and overdue for a 12-month follow-up survey. METHODS Traditional retention strategies used to reconnect with teens categorized as 'unable to contact' were weekly redials of nonworking telephone numbers and mailings to the student's home. Nontraditional retention strategies were obtaining assistance from school administration and performing outreach on Facebook. RESULTS Of the 422 students enrolled, 125 (29.5%) were overdue for a 12-month follow-up survey, but had no working telephone number (unable to contact). We made 196 attempts to contact these 125 students, of which 82 attempts (41.8%) were successful in 'reconnecting' with the student. Using 'mailed reminder letters' as the referent category, odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the association between the strategy used and reconnecting were 4.60 (1.8-11.8), 1.94 (1.01-3.73), and 2.91 (0.58-14.50), respectively, for telephone number redials, Facebook outreach, and school administration assistance. Of the 422 students, 380 (90%) ultimately completed the 12-month follow-up survey. LIMITATIONS Retention strategies were not applied hierarchically or systematically. We were unable to determine student preference for a particular strategy. Findings are likely only applicable to similar study populations. CONCLUSION A mix of traditional retention strategies and more contemporary methods was effective in reconnecting with urban teenagers enrolled in a school-based RCT and in controlling attrition during the 12-month follow-up survey period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerel M Ezell
- aDepartment of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
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Colver AF, Merrick H, Deverill M, Le Couteur A, Parr J, Pearce MS, Rapley T, Vale L, Watson R, McConachie H. Study protocol: longitudinal study of the transition of young people with complex health needs from child to adult health services. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:675. [PMID: 23875722 PMCID: PMC3724698 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people with complex health needs have impairments that can limit their ability to carry out day-to-day activities. As well as coping with other developmental transitions, these young people must negotiate the transfer of their clinical care from child to adult services. The process of transition may not be smooth and both health and social outcomes may suffer.Increasingly, policy-makers have recognised the need to ensure a smoother transition between children's and adult services, with processes that are holistic, individualised, and person-centred; however, there is little outcome data to support proposed models of care. This study aims to identify the features of transitional care that are potentially effective and efficient for young people with complex health needs making their transition. METHODS/DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study. 450 young people aged 14 years to 18 years 11 months (with autism spectrum disorder and an additional mental health problem, cerebral palsy or diabetes) will be followed through their transition from child to adult services and will contribute data at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 months. We will collect data on: health and wellbeing outcomes (participation, quality of life, satisfaction with services, generic health status (EQ-5D-Y) and condition specific measure of disease control or management); exposure to proposed beneficial features of services (such as having a key worker, appropriate involvement of parents); socio-economic characteristics of the sample; use of condition-related health and personal social services; preferences for the characteristics of transitional care.We will us regression techniques to explore how outcomes vary by exposure to service features and by characteristics of the young people. These data will populate a decision-analytic model comparing the costs and benefits of potential alternative ways of organising transition services.In order to better understand mechanisms and aid interpretation, we will undertake qualitative work with 15 young people, including interviews, non-participant observation and diary collection. DISCUSSION This study will evaluate the effect of service components of transitional care, rather than evaluation of specific models that may be unsustainable or not generalisable. It has been developed in response to numerous national and international calls for such evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan F Colver
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Hannah Merrick
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Mark Deverill
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Ann Le Couteur
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Jeremy Parr
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Mark S Pearce
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Tim Rapley
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Luke Vale
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Rose Watson
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Helen McConachie
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
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Kim R, Hickman N, Gali K, Orozco N, Prochaska JJ. Maximizing retention with high risk participants in a clinical trial. Am J Health Promot 2013; 28:268-74. [PMID: 23875989 DOI: 10.4278/ajhp.120720-quan-355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe effective retention strategies in a clinical trial with a high risk, low-income, and vulnerable patient population with serious mental illness. DESIGN Follow-up assessments were conducted for a randomized clinical tobacco treatment trial at 3, 6, and 12 months postbaseline. Initial follow-up rates of <40% at 3 months led to implementation of proactive retention strategies including obtaining extensive contact information; building relationships with case managers and social workers; contacting jails and prisons; text messaging, e-mailing, and messaging via social networking sites; identifying appointments via electronic medical record; and field outreach to treatment facilities, residences, and parks. SETTING Large urban public hospital. SUBJECTS Participants were current smokers recruited from 100% smoke-free locked psychiatry units. MEASURES Assessments covered demographics, substance use, and mental health functioning. ANALYSIS Retention rates were plotted over time in relation to key retention strategies. Chi-square and t-tests were used to examine participant predictors of retention at each follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up, the retention strategies that most frequently led to assessment completion were identified. RESULTS The sample (N = 100) was 65% male; age x = 39.5 years (SD = 11.3); 44% non-Hispanic white; 46% on Medicaid and 34% uninsured; 79% unemployed; and 48% unstably housed. Proactive retention strategies dramatically increased follow-up rates, concluding at 3 months = 82.65%, 6 months = 89.69%, and 12 months = 92.78%. Married and divorced/separated/widowed participants, those with higher income, and participants with alcohol or illicit drug problems had increased retention from 3- to 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Follow-up rates improved as proactive methods to contact participants were implemented. Dedicated research staff, multiple methods, community networking, and outreach within drug treatment settings improved retention.
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Bambs CE, Kip KE, Mulukutla SR, Aiyer AN, Johnson C, McDowell LA, Matthews K, Reis SE. Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with attrition in a prospective study of cardiovascular prevention: the Heart Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation study. Ann Epidemiol 2013; 23:328-33. [PMID: 23535026 PMCID: PMC3660424 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify factors associated with attrition in a longitudinal study of cardiovascular prevention. METHODS Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables potentially associated with attrition were investigated in 1841 subjects enrolled in the southwestern Pennsylvania Heart Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation study. Attrition was defined as study withdrawal, loss to follow-up, or missing 50% or more of study visits. RESULTS Over 4 years of follow-up, 291 subjects (15.8%) met criteria for attrition. In multivariable regression models, factors that were independently associated with attrition were black race (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-3.16; P < .001), younger age (OR per 5-year increment, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.99; P < .05), male gender (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.27-2.54; P < .05), no health insurance (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.20-3.47; P < .05), obesity (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.07-3.02; P < .05), CES-D depression score 16 or higher (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.29-3.19; P < .05), and higher ongoing life events questionnaire score (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.13; P < .001). Having a spouse/partner participating in the study was associated with lower odds of attrition (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37-0.97; P < .05). A synergistic interaction was identified between black race and depression. CONCLUSIONS Attrition over 4 years was influenced by sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors that can be readily identified at study entry. Recruitment and retention strategies targeting these factors may improve participant follow-up in longitudinal cardiovascular prevention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin E. Kip
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Aryan N. Aiyer
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Cheryl Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Lee Ann McDowell
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Karen Matthews
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Steven E. Reis
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Determinants of Attrition to Follow-Up in a Multicentre Cohort Study in Children-Results from the IDEFICS Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1155/2013/936365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cohort participant retention is a crucial element and may depend on several factors. Based on data from a multicentre cohort of European children, the effect of baseline participation on attrition and the association with and the impact of single determinants in relation to the extent of attrition were investigated. Data was available for 16,225 children from the IDEFICS baseline survey (2007/2008). Attrition was defined as nonparticipation in the first follow-up examination (2009/2010). Determinants of attrition were analysed by logistic regression. The statistical significance level was set at α=0.01 to account for the large sample size. The strongest associations were seen for baseline item non-response, especially when information on migration background (odds ratio (OR) = 1.55; 99% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 2.31), single parenthood (OR = 1.37; 99% CI: 1.12, 1.67), or well-being (OR = 1.46; 99% CI: 1.19, 1.79) was lacking. Drop-out proportion rose with the number of missing items. Overweight, low education, single parenthood and low well-being scores were independent determinants of attrition. Baseline participation, and the individual determinant effects seemed unrelated to the variation of the extent of attrition between study centres. A high level of item nonresponse as well as overweight and disadvantageous sociodemographic conditions were identified as main attrition determinants, suggesting the consideration of these aspects in conduct and analysis of cohort studies in childhood obesity research.
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Roy A, Lieb W, Garrett B, Hodik M, Klipsch A, Young M, Barton B, Schwarz KB. Recruitment and retention strategies in a clinical trial for children with chronic hepatitis C infection. J Pediatr Nurs 2013; 28:243-8. [PMID: 22999994 PMCID: PMC3540171 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Successful strategies for recruitment and retention (R & R) in pediatric trials are needed. The purpose of our study was to analyze the effectiveness of R&R in a trial for children with hepatitis C. Recruitment strategies were (1) Initial (months 0-12) and (2) extra effort (months 13-18). Initial strategies enrolled 70/114 (61%) of patients. Extra effort strategies included: (1) radio broadcasts, (2) contact with adult hepatologists, (3) dissemination of study material and (4) modification of the exclusion criteria. The overall retention rate was 84% at 2 years. Lessons learned will be valuable in designing future pediatric trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Roy
- Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Socioeconomic determinants associated with willingness to participate in medical research among a diverse population. Contemp Clin Trials 2012; 33:1197-205. [PMID: 22885788 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although it is federally-mandated that racial/ethnic minorities be included in research studies, recruiting diverse populations remains a challenge. This is particularly difficult when research involves children. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes and beliefs toward medical research among a racially and socioeconomically diverse population of parents of school children. METHODS A cross-sectional parent-report survey was conducted in New York City public elementary schools using stratified random selection to obtain a diverse population. Fear of medical research and likelihood to participate in medical research were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Differences in fear/likelihood to participate in research across race/ethnicity and socioeconomic characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS In general, parents were afraid of their child "being treated as a guinea pig", but were willing to allow their child to participate in research if asked by their own doctor. Factors associated with a lower score on fear toward research were; primary language other than English (OR=0.59), access to an interpreter (OR=0.73) and access to medical service within a day (OR=0.51). Latinos had the highest fear score (OR=1.87) compared to Whites. Asians were the ethnic group most likely to participate in research (OR=1.71). Low education level (OR=2.18) and public health insurance (OR=1.37) were associated with a higher score for likelihood of allowing one's child to participate in medical research. CONCLUSION Minority parents reported more fear of allowing their children to participate in medical research, but were as likely to consent their children's participation, especially if asked by their own physician.
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Hughes S, Harris J, Flack N, Cuffe RL. The statistician's role in the prevention of missing data. Pharm Stat 2012; 11:410-6. [PMID: 22807372 DOI: 10.1002/pst.1528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hughes
- Clinical Statistics; GSK Research & Development; Stockley Park West Uxbridge UB11 1BT UK
| | - Julia Harris
- Infectious Diseases Statistics; GSK Research & Development; Stockley Park West Uxbridge UB11 1BT UK
| | - Nancy Flack
- Center for Project and Study Excellence; GSK Research and Development; Research Triangle Park NC 27709 USA
| | - Robert L. Cuffe
- Statistics; ViiV Healthcare; 980 Great West Road Brentford TW8 9GS UK
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Graziotti AL, Hammond J, Messinger DS, Bann CM, Miller-Loncar C, Twomey JE, Bursi C, Woldt E, Nelson JA, Fleischmann D, Alexander B. Maintaining participation and momentum in longitudinal research involving high-risk families. J Nurs Scholarsh 2012; 44:120-6. [PMID: 22458928 DOI: 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2012.01439.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the current study was to identify and describe strategies available to optimize retention of a high-risk research cohort and assist in the recovery of study participants following participant dropout. DESIGN AND METHODS The Maternal Lifestyle Study (MLS), which investigated the effects of prenatal substance exposure (cocaine or opiates) on child outcome, is a prospective longitudinal follow-up study that extended from birth through 15 years of age. Retention strategies to maximize participation and factors that might negatively impact compliance were examined over the course of five follow-up phases. FINDINGS At the conclusion of the 15-year visits, MLS had successfully maintained compliance at 76%. Retention rates did not differ by exposure group. CONCLUSIONS Maintaining ongoing participation of enrolled study subjects is a critical element of any successful longitudinal study. Strategies that can be used to reengage and maintain participants in longitudinal research include persistence, flexibility with scheduling, home visits, long-distance trips, increased incentives, and development of a computerized tracking system. Establishing rapport with families and ensuring confidentiality contributed to overall participant retention. The use of multiple tracking techniques is essential. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Researchers are challenged to maintain participants in longitudinal studies to ensure the integrity of their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann L Graziotti
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Phipatanakul W, Bailey A, Hoffman EB, Sheehan WJ, Lane JP, Baxi S, Rao D, Permaul P, Gaffin JM, Rogers CA, Muilenberg ML, Gold DR. The school inner-city asthma study: design, methods, and lessons learned. J Asthma 2011; 48:1007-14. [PMID: 22010992 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2011.624235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children spend a significant amount of time in school. Little is known about the role of allergen exposure in school environments and asthma morbidity. OBJECTIVES The School Inner-City Asthma Study (SICAS) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded prospective study evaluating the school/classroom-specific risk factors and asthma morbidity among urban children. METHODS/RESULTS This article describes the design, methods, and important lessons learned from this extensive investigation. A single center is recruiting 500 elementary school-aged children, all of whom attend inner-city metropolitan schools. The primary hypothesis is that exposure to common indoor allergens in the classroom will increase the risk of asthma morbidity in children with asthma, even after controlling for home allergen exposures. The protocol includes screening surveys of entire schools and baseline eligibility assessments obtained in the spring prior to the academic year. Extensive baseline clinical visits are being conducted among eligible children with asthma during the summer prior to the academic school year. Environmental classroom/school assessments including settled dust and air sampling for allergen, mold, air pollution, and inspection data are collected twice during the academic school year and one home dust sample linked to the enrolled student. Clinical outcomes are measured every 3 months during the academic school year. CONCLUSION The overall goal of SICAS is to complete the first study of its kind to better understand school-specific urban environmental factors on childhood asthma morbidity. We also discuss the unique challenges related to school-based urban research and lessons being learned from recruiting such a cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Phipatanakul
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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