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Stanek LW, Grokhowsky N, George BJ, Thomas KW. Assessing lead exposure in U.S. pregnant women using biological and residential measurements. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167135. [PMID: 37739076 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
There is strong scientific evidence for multiple pathways of human exposure to lead (Pb) in residential settings, particularly for young children; however, less is known about maternal exposure during pregnancy and children's exposure during early lifestages. A robust, multi-faceted secondary analysis was conducted using data collected by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in the 2009-2014 National Children's Study Vanguard Studies. Descriptive statistics summarized Pb concentrations of maternal blood, maternal urine, and house dust vacuum samples collected during pregnancy and residence surface wipes collected both during pregnancy and six months post-partum. The maternal blood Pb level geometric mean was 0.44 μg/dL (n = 426), with no women having values ≥ 5 μg/dL; creatinine-adjusted maternal urinary Pb geometric mean was 0.43 μg/g (n = 366). These blood and urine concentrations are similar to those observed for females in the general U.S. population in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2011 cycle. A modest correlation between maternal blood Pb and surface wipe measurements during pregnancy was observed (Spearman r = 0.35, p < 0.0001). Surface wipe Pb loadings obtained in mother's homes during pregnancy (n = 640) and from areas where children spent the most time at roughly 6 months of age (n = 99) ranged from 0.02 to 71.8 ng/cm2, with geometric means of 0.47 and 0.49 ng/cm2, respectively, which were relatively low compared to other national studies. Survey responses of demographic, lifestyle, and residence characteristics were assessed for associations with blood concentration and surface wipe loading. Demographic (e.g., race/ethnicity, income, education, marital status) and housing characteristics (e.g., year home built, paint condition, own or rent home, attached garage) were associated with both maternal blood and surface wipe loadings during pregnancy. The availability of residential environmental media and extensive survey data provided enhanced understanding of Pb exposure during pregnancy and early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay W Stanek
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Nicholas Grokhowsky
- Formerly of Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Barbara J George
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kent W Thomas
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Tambor E, Moloney R, Greene SM. One size does not fit all: Insights for engaging front-line clinicians in pragmatic clinical trials. Learn Health Syst 2021; 5:e10248. [PMID: 34667873 PMCID: PMC8512724 DOI: 10.1002/lrh2.10248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the proliferation of pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) conducted in health care delivery settings, we know relatively little about how practicing clinicians perceive their potential roles in such research. Empirical evidence and practical guidance concerning clinician engagement in research is needed to inform the design and successful implementation of PCTs. METHODS We conducted a two-phase qualitative study to better understand how and to what extent practicing clinicians should be involved in PCTs and to develop guidance for researchers on engaging front-line clinicians in PCTs. In phase one, clinicians who spend the majority of their time providing direct patient care participated in 90-min focus groups. In phase two, we conducted key informant interviews with PCT research teams and clinicians participating in the ADAPTABLE (Aspirin Dosing: A Patient-centric Trial Assessing Benefits and Long-Term Effectiveness) trial. RESULTS Thirty-four physicians, nurses, and other care providers from four health care delivery organizations participated in focus groups. Focus group participants stressed the importance of engaging clinicians early in the PCT planning process to identify clinically relevant study questions, provide input on study design, and customize study protocols to fit unique clinic workflows. We conducted 18 interviews with principal investigators, project managers, and clinicians involved in the ADAPTABLE trial across six clinical data research networks. Study team members described trying multiple approaches to optimize in-clinic recruitment and enrollment of eligible patients. Successful strategies involved several key factors related to research team interactions with eligible patients, clinicians, and clinic staff. CONCLUSIONS More active involvement by a range of clinical stakeholders in PCT planning may help researchers avoid common barriers to trial implementation. We propose a "medium-touch" approach to involving clinicians in PCT recruitment and enrollment that focuses clinician effort where it is most critical-to reassure eligible patients that trial participation is a safe alternative for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Tambor
- Center for Medical Technology PolicyBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Goldstein E, Bakhireva LN, Nervik K, Hagen S, Turnquist A, Zgierska AE, Marquez LE, McDonald R, Lo J, Chambers C. Recruitment and retention of pregnant women in prospective birth cohort studies: A scoping review and content analysis of the literature. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2021; 85:106974. [PMID: 33766723 PMCID: PMC8137666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2021.106974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Longitudinal cohort studies present unique methodological challenges, especially when they focus on vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the existing knowledge on recruitment and retention (RR) of pregnant women in birth cohort studies and to make recommendations for researchers to improve research engagement of this population. A scoping review and content analysis were conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to the RR of pregnant women in cohort studies. The search retrieved 574 articles, with 38 meeting eligibility criteria and focused on RR among English-speaking, adult women, who are pregnant or in early postpartum period, enrolled in birth cohort studies. Selected studies were birth cohort (including longitudinal) (n = 20), feasibility (n = 14), and other (n = 4) non-interventional study designs. The majority were from low-risk populations. Abstracted data were coded according to emergent theme clusters. The majority of abstracted data (79%) focused on recruitment practices, with only 21% addressing retention strategies. Overall, facilitators were reported more often (75%) than barriers (25%). Building trusting relationships and employing diverse recruitment methods emerged as major recruitment facilitators; major barriers included heterogeneous participant reasons for refusal and cultural factors. Key retention facilitators included flexibility with scheduling, frequent communication, and culturally sensitive practices, whereas participant factors such as loss of interest, pregnancy loss, relocation, multiple caregiver shifts, and substance use/psychiatric problems were cited as major barriers. Better understanding of facilitators and barriers of RR can help enhance the internal and external validity of future birth/pre-birth cohorts. Strategies presented in this review can help inform investigators and funding agencies of best practices for RR of pregnant women in longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Goldstein
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, 1100 Delaplaine Ct, Madison, WI 53715, United States of America.
| | - Ludmila N Bakhireva
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, United States of America; Department of Family and Community Medicine, United States of America; Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC 09 5360, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America.
| | - Kendra Nervik
- Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin, 8128 William H. Sewell Social Sciences Building, 1180 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1393, United States of America.
| | - Shelbey Hagen
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, 1100 Delaplaine Ct, Madison, WI 53715, United States of America.
| | - Alyssa Turnquist
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, 1100 Delaplaine Ct, Madison, WI 53715, United States of America.
| | - Aleksandra E Zgierska
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, United States of America.
| | - Lidia Enriquez Marquez
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, United States of America.
| | - Ryan McDonald
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health McConnell Hall, 1010 Mound Street, Madison, WI 53715, United States of America.
| | - Jamie Lo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L466, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America.
| | - Christina Chambers
- Departments of Pediatrics and Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0828, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
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Gilbertson PK, Forrester S, Andrews L, McCann K, Rogers L, Park C, Moye J. The National Children's Study Archive Model: A 3-Tier Framework for Dissemination of Data and Specimens for General Use and Secondary Analysis. Front Public Health 2021; 9:526286. [PMID: 33748052 PMCID: PMC7973013 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.526286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The National Children's Study (NCS) Archive was created as a repository of samples, data, and information from the NCS Vanguard Study-a longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort evaluating approaches to study influence of environmental exposures on child health and development-to provide qualified researchers with access to NCS materials for use in secondary research. The National Children's Study Archive (NCSA) model is a 3-tiered access model designed to make the wealth of information and materials gathered during the NCS Vanguard Study available at a user appropriate level. The NCSA model was developed as a 3-tier framework, for users of varying access levels, providing intuitive data exploration and visualization tools, an end-to-end data and sample request management system, and a restricted portal for participant-level data access with a team of experts available to assist users. This platform provides a model to accelerate transformation of information and materials from existing studies into new scientific discoveries. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00852904 (first posted February 27, 2009).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Forrester
- Social & Scientific Systems Inc., Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Linda Andrews
- Social & Scientific Systems Inc., Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen McCann
- Social & Scientific Systems Inc., Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Lydia Rogers
- Social & Scientific Systems Inc., Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Christina Park
- National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jack Moye
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Phillippi JC, Doersam JK, Neal JL, Roumie CL. Electronic Informed Consent to Facilitate Recruitment of Pregnant Women Into Research. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2019; 47:529-534. [PMID: 29758172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2018.04.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods to obtain informed consent digitally or electronically may increase the participation of racially and geographically diverse pregnant women in prospective research, which is essential to improve the evidence base for maternity care. We evaluated the feasibility and utility of e-consent in the first year of a multiyear clinical trial involving pregnant women. Of the 86 women screened, 71 were eligible, 65 (93% of eligible) agreed to review the e-consent form, and 61 (86% of eligible) completed the e-consent process. Of the interested women who were sent the e-consent link, all were able to complete the e-consent process, even those who reported low health literacy. Women of all racial and ethnic groups were equally likely to consent, and the sample of women who consented was consistent with practice demographics. E-consent is feasible and easy to use with pregnant women and may expedite enrollment of a representative sample.
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Park CH, Winglee M, Kwan J, Andrews L, Hudak ML. Comparison of Recruitment Strategy Outcomes in the National Children's Study. Pediatrics 2017; 140:peds.2016-2822. [PMID: 28724571 PMCID: PMC5527671 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-2822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In 2000, the US Congress authorized the National Institutes of Health to conduct a prospective national longitudinal study of environmental influences on children's health and development from birth through 21 years. Several recruitment methodologies were piloted to determine the optimal strategy for a main National Children's Study. METHODS After an initial pilot recruitment that used a household enumeration strategy performed poorly, the National Children's Study Vanguard Study developed and evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and cost of 4 alternate strategies to recruit a large prospective national probability sample of pregnant women and their newborn children. We compare household-based recruitment, provider-based recruitment, direct outreach, and provider-based sampling (PBS) strategies with respect to overall recruitment success, efficiency, cost, and fulfillment of scientific requirements. RESULTS Although all 5 strategies achieved similar enrollment rates (63%-81%) among eligible women, PBS achieved the highest recruitment success as measured by the ratio of observed-to-expected newborn enrollees per year of 0.99, exceeding those of the other strategies (range: 0.35-0.48). Because PBS could reach the enrollment target through sampling of high volume obstetric provider offices and birth hospitals, it achieved the lowest ratio of women screened to women enrolled and was also the least costly strategy. With the exception of direct outreach, all strategies enrolled a cohort of women whose demographics were similar to county natality data. CONCLUSIONS PBS demonstrated the optimal combination of recruitment success, efficiency, cost, and population representativeness and serves as a model for the assembly of future prospective probability-based birth cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer Kwan
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Linda Andrews
- Social & Scientific Systems Inc, Silver Spring, Maryland; and
| | - Mark L. Hudak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida
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Tigges BB, Kaar JL, Erbstein N, Silberman P, Winseck K, Lopez-Class M, Burbacher TM. Effectiveness of community outreach and engagement in recruitment success for a prebirth cohort. J Clin Transl Sci 2017; 1:184-191. [PMID: 29082032 PMCID: PMC5647659 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2017.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We describe the effectiveness of community outreach and engagement in supporting recruitment for the US National Children's Vanguard Study between 2009 and 2012. METHODS Thirty-seven study locations used 1 of 4 strategies to recruit 18-49-year-old pregnant or trying to conceive women: (1) Initial Vanguard Study used household-based recruitment; (2) Direct Outreach emphasized self-referral; (3) Enhanced Household-Based Recruitment enhanced Initial Vanguard Study strategies; and (4) Provider-Based Recruitment recruited through healthcare providers. Outreach and engagement included advance letters, interactions with healthcare providers, participation in community events, contacts with community organizations, and media outreach. RESULTS After 1-2 years, 41%-74% of 9844 study-eligible women had heard about the National Children's Vanguard Study when first approached. Women who heard were 1.5-3 times more likely to consent. Hearing via word-of-mouth or the media most frequently predicted consent. The more sources women heard from the higher the odds of consent. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that tailored outreach and engagement facilitate recruitment in cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth B. Tigges
- University of New Mexico College of Nursing, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jill L. Kaar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nancy Erbstein
- Department of Human Ecology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Kate Winseck
- Office of Disease Prevention, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maria Lopez-Class
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas M. Burbacher
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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McLaughlin TJ, Aupont O, Kozinetz CA, Hubble D, Moore-Simas TA, Davis D, Park C, Brenner R, Sepavich D, Felice M, Caviness C, Downs T, Selwyn BJ, Forman MR. Multilevel Provider-Based Sampling for Recruitment of Pregnant Women and Mother-Newborn Dyads. Pediatrics 2016; 137 Suppl 4:S248-57. [PMID: 27251871 PMCID: PMC4878109 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-4410f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2010, the National Children's Study launched 3 alternative recruitment methods to test possible improvements in efficiency compared with traditional household-based recruitment and participant enrollment. In 2012, a fourth method, provider-based sampling (PBS), tested a probability-based sampling of prenatal provider locations supplemented by a second cohort of neonates born at a convenience sample of maternity hospitals. METHODS From a sampling frame of 472 prenatal care provider locations and 59 maternity hospitals, 49 provider and 7 hospital locations within or just outside 3 counties participated in study recruitment. During first prenatal care visits or immediately postdelivery at these locations, face-to-face contact was used to screen and recruit eligible women. RESULTS Of 1450 screened women, 1270 were eligible. Consent rates at prenatal provider locations (62%-74% by county) were similar to those at birth locations (64%-77% by county). During 6 field months, 3 study centers enrolled a total prenatal cohort of 530 women (the majority in the first trimester) and during 2 months enrolled a birth cohort of an additional 320 mother-newborn dyads. As personnel became experienced in the field, the time required to enroll a woman in the prenatal cohort declined from up to 200 hours to 50 to 100 hours per woman recruited. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that PBS was feasible and operationally efficient in recruiting a representative cohort of newborns from 3 diverse US counties. Our findings suggest that PBS is a practical approach to recruit large pregnancy and birth cohorts across the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Onesky Aupont
- University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Christina Park
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Ruth Brenner
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - Tim Downs
- Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts
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Blaisdell LL, Zellner JA, King AA, Faustman E, Wilhelm M, Hudak ML, Annett RD. The National Children's Study: Recruitment Outcomes Using an Enhanced Household-Based Approach. Pediatrics 2016; 137 Suppl 4:S219-30. [PMID: 27251868 PMCID: PMC4878108 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-4410c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ten National Children's Study (NCS) study locations with diverse demographic characteristics used an enhanced household-based recruitment (EHBR) approach to enroll preconceptional and pregnant women. Study centers used different types and dosages of community outreach and engagement (COE) activities and supplemental strategies. The goal of the study was to determine whether variability in enumeration and recruitment outcomes correlated with study location characteristics or types and dosages of COE activities (number of COE events, number of advance household mailings, total media expenditures, and total COE expenditures). METHODS Each of the sites provided data on COE activities, protocol implementation, supplemental recruitment activities, location demographic characteristics, and enumeration/recruitment outcomes. RESULTS COE activities varied across sites in breadth and scope. Numerous strategies were used, including media advertising, social media, participation in community-wide events, presentations to stakeholders, and creation of advisory boards. Some sites included supplemental recruitment efforts. EHBR sites enrolled 1404 women at the initial pregnancy screening. No significant relationships were found between study location demographic characteristics or between the types and dosages of COE activities and recruitment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Probability sampling for a long-term study requires a positive image with stakeholders and within communities; this requirement may be especially true for door-to-door recruitment. EHBR sites successfully recruited a representative sample of preconceptional and pregnant women. Sites reported implementing similar COE activities but with varying dosage and cost; however, analyses did not support a benefit of COE strategies on study recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alison A King
- Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | - Mark L Hudak
- University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida; and
| | - Robert D Annett
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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