1
|
Tsaltskan V, Sanchez Baez R, Firestein GS. Cost-effectiveness of social media advertising as a recruitment tool: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e180. [PMID: 37745929 PMCID: PMC10514690 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recruitment of study participants is challenging and can incur significant costs. Social media advertising is a promising method for recruiting clinical studies and may improve cost efficiency by targeting populations likely to match a study's qualifications. Prior systematic reviews of social media as a recruitment tool have been favourable, however, there are no meta-analyses of its cost-effectiveness. Methods Studies evaluating recruitment costs through social media and non-social media methods were identified on MEDLINE and EMBASE. Articles were screened through a two-step process in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Cost data were extracted from selected articles and meta-analyzed using the Mantel-Haenszel method. The primary outcome was the relative cost-effectiveness of social media compared to non-social media recruitment, defined as the odds ratio of recruiting a participant per US dollar spent. The secondary outcome was the cost-effectiveness of social media recruitment compared to other online recruitment methods only. Results In total, 23 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio of recruiting a participant through social media advertising compared to non-social media methods per dollar spent was 1.97 [95% CI 1.24-3.00, P = 0.004]. The odds ratio of recruiting a participant through social media compared to other online methods only was 1.66 [95% CI 1.02-2.72, P = 0.04]. Conclusions Social media advertising may be more cost-effective than other methods of recruitment, however, the magnitude of cost-effectiveness is highly variable between studies. There are limited data on newer social media platforms and on difficult-to-reach populations such as non-English speakers or older individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Tsaltskan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roel Sanchez Baez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gary S. Firestein
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dietary interventions using Facebook: a systematic review. Porto Biomed J 2023; 8:e185. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
|
3
|
Sampson M, Xu W, Prabhu S. Tailoring Perinatal Health Communication: Centering the Voices of Mothers at Risk for Maternal Mortality and Morbidity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:186. [PMID: 36612508 PMCID: PMC9819297 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010186] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any industrialized country. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Black women die at 2-3 times the rate of white women, and the infant mortality rate in the U.S. is 2.5 times higher than their White counterparts. Maternal and child health programs, such as Healthy Start, are an important gateway to increasing awareness, education, and referral to perinatal care and mental health services. This paper explored mothers' perceptions of the importance of health and healthcare during pregnancy and postpartum and their preferences for communication from a community-based service program, such as Healthy Start. Data were collected from four focus groups with 29 expectant or current mothers. Most participants (57.7%) identify as Black or African American. They age from 24 to 43 with a mean of 31.7. We analyzed the data using the thematic analysis approach. Themes that emerged supported an overall desire for inclusive, strength-based educational materials. Use of advocacy-based health educational materials, materials that show diverse and realistic images of mothers, peer-based education through testimonials, and health education materials that are easy to understand and apply to one's own experience emerged as the broad theme from the focus groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- McClain Sampson
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77024, USA
| | - Wen Xu
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77024, USA
| | - Sahana Prabhu
- Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kukafka R, Skiffington J, Leijser LM, Slater D, Metcalfe A. Social Media Recruitment Strategies to Recruit Pregnant Women Into a Longitudinal Observational Cohort Study: Usability Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e40298. [PMID: 36508244 PMCID: PMC9793295 DOI: 10.2196/40298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of social media for study recruitment is becoming increasingly common. Previous studies have typically focused on using Facebook; however, there are limited data to support the use of other social media platforms for participant recruitment, notably in the context of a pregnancy study. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in recruiting a representative sample of pregnant women in a longitudinal pregnancy cohort study in Calgary, Alberta, between September 27, 2021, and April 24, 2022. METHODS Paid advertisements were targeted at 18- to 50-year-old women in Calgary, with interests in pregnancy. Data regarding reach, link clicks, and costs were collected through Facebook Ads Manager (Meta Platforms, Inc) and Twitter Analytics (Twitter, Inc). The feasibility of each platform for recruitment was assessed based on the recruitment rate and cost-effectiveness. The demographic characteristics of the participants recruited through each source were compared using the chi-square test. RESULTS Paid advertisements reached 159,778 social media users, resulting in 2390 link clicks and 324 participants being recruited. Facebook reached and recruited the highest number of participants (153/324, 47.2%), whereas Instagram saw the highest number of link clicks relative to the number of users who saw the advertisement (418/19,764, 2.11%). Facebook and Instagram advertisements were cost-effective, with an average cost-per-click of CAD $0.65 (US $0.84; SD $0.27, US $0.35) and cost-per-completer of CAD $7.89 (US $10.25; SD CAD $4.08, US $5.30). Twitter advertisements were less successful in terms of recruitment and costs. Demographic characteristics of participants did not differ based on recruitment source, except for education and income, where more highly educated and higher-income participants were recruited through Instagram or Twitter. Many issues related to fraudulent responses were encountered throughout the recruitment period. CONCLUSIONS Paid social media advertisements (especially Facebook and Instagram) are feasible and cost-effective methods for recruiting a large sample of pregnant women for survey-based research. However, future research should be aware of the potential for fraudulent responses when using social media for recruitment and consider strategies to mitigate this problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Janice Skiffington
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lara M Leijser
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Donna Slater
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Amy Metcalfe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Departments of Community Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Killeen SL, Byrne DF, Geraghty AA, Yelverton CA, van Sinderen D, Cotter PD, Murphy EF, O’Reilly SL, McAuliffe FM. Recruiting and Engaging Women of Reproductive Age with Obesity: Insights from A Mixed-Methods Study within A Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13832. [PMID: 36360712 PMCID: PMC9658053 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Engaging women with obesity in health-related studies during preconception is challenging. Limited data exists relating to their participation. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences and opinions of women participating in a weight-related, preconception trial. This is an explanatory sequential (quan-QUAL) mixed-methods Study Within A Trial, embedded in the GetGutsy randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN11295995). Screened participants completed an online survey of eight questions (single or multiple choice and Likert scale) on recruitment, motivations and opinions on study activities. Participants with abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥ 80 cm) were invited to a subsequent semi-structured, online focus group (n = 2, 9 participants) that was transcribed and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, with a pragmatic epistemological approach. The survey (n = 102) showed the main research participation motivations were supporting health research (n = 38, 37.3%) and wanting health screening (n = 30, 29.4%). Most participants were recruited via email (n = 35, 34.7%) or social media (n = 15, 14.7%). In the FGs, participants valued flexibility, convenience and. research methods that aligned with their lifestyles. Participants had an expanded view of health that considered emotional well-being and balance alongside more traditional medical assessments. Clinical trialists should consider well-being, addressing the interconnectedness of health and incorporate a variety of research activities to engage women of reproductive age with obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Louise Killeen
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, D02 YH21 Dublin, Ireland
| | - David F. Byrne
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, D02 YH21 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling A. Geraghty
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, D02 YH21 Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cara A. Yelverton
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, D02 YH21 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Research Institute, National University of Ireland, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, National University of Ireland, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul D. Cotter
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Research Institute, National University of Ireland, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Eileen F. Murphy
- Precision Biotics Ltd. (Novozymes Cork), Cork Airport Business Park, Kinsale Road, T12 D292 Cork, Ireland
| | - Sharleen L. O’Reilly
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, D02 YH21 Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fionnuala M. McAuliffe
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, D02 YH21 Dublin, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Research Institute, National University of Ireland, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vedel C, Jørgensen DS, Kristensen DM, Petersen OB, Greisen G. The use of paracetamol during pregnancy: A qualitative study and possible strategies for a clinical trial. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271537. [PMID: 36099269 PMCID: PMC9469947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), also known as acetaminophen) is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. APAP is widely used during pregnancy as it is considered safe when used as directed by regulatory authorities. However, a significant amount of epidemiological and experimental research suggests that prenatal exposure potentially alters fetal development. In this paper, we summarize the potentially harmful adverse effects of APAP and the limitations of the current evidence. It highlights the urgent need for a clinical trial, and the aim of the presented qualitative pilot study on APAP use during pregnancy is the feasibility of a large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). In the qualitative study, we included 232 Danish women from three hospitals in the spring of 2021. After recognizing the pregnancy, 48% had taken any APAP, and 6% had taken it weekly or more than weekly. A total of 27% who had taken APAP in the first trimester of pregnancy (even rarely) would potentially participate in an RCT. In a potential clinical trial, the women would need to be included early in the 1st trimester as the suspected harmful effects of APAP lies within this early reproductive developmental window. A possible recruitment strategy was explored. These data suggest that the target population appears positive towards an RCT. As a negative attitude among users has been considered the major hindrance for such a study, we cannot see hindrances for performing an RCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathrine Vedel
- Center of Fetal Medicine and Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Ditte Staub Jørgensen
- Center of Fetal Medicine and Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Møbjerg Kristensen
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) UMR_S, Rennes, France
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Olav Bjørn Petersen
- Center of Fetal Medicine and Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gorm Greisen
- Neonatal Department, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zimmermann BM, Willem T, Bredthauer CJ, Buyx A. Ethical Issues in Social Media Recruitment for Clinical Studies: Ethical Analysis and Framework. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e31231. [PMID: 35503247 PMCID: PMC9115665 DOI: 10.2196/31231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media recruitment for clinical studies holds the promise of being a cost-effective way of attracting traditionally marginalized populations and promoting patient engagement with researchers and a particular study. However, using social media for recruiting clinical study participants also poses a range of ethical issues. OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ethical benefits and risks to be considered for social media recruitment in clinical studies and develop practical recommendations on how to implement these considerations. METHODS On the basis of established principles of clinical ethics and research ethics, we reviewed the conceptual and empirical literature for ethical benefits and challenges related to social media recruitment. From these, we derived a conceptual framework to evaluate the eligibility of social media use for recruitment for a specific clinical study. RESULTS We identified three eligibility criteria for social media recruitment for clinical studies: information and consent, risks for target groups, and recruitment effectiveness. These criteria can be used to evaluate the implementation of a social media recruitment strategy at its planning stage. We have discussed the practical implications of these criteria for researchers. CONCLUSIONS The ethical challenges related to social media recruitment are context sensitive. Therefore, social media recruitment should be planned rigorously, taking into account the target group, the appropriateness of social media as a recruitment channel, and the resources available to execute the strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bettina M Zimmermann
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Willem
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Science, Technology and Society, School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carl Justus Bredthauer
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alena Buyx
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kelly L, Kurinczuk JJ, Fitzpatrick R, Alderdice F. Refinement of the Well-being in Pregnancy (WiP) questionnaire: cognitive interviews with women and healthcare professionals and a validation survey. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:325. [PMID: 35428195 PMCID: PMC9013132 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04626-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measuring positive and negative aspects of well-being during pregnancy and childbirth is important for both healthy women and women who are living with long-term health conditions (LTCs). This study aimed to further refine the Well-being in Pregnancy (WiP) questionnaire and to incorporate LTC specific items where appropriate. METHODS A multi-method study. Cognitive interviews with pregnant or postpartum women (n = 11) and consultations with healthcare professionals (n = 11) and public representatives (n = 4) were conducted to explore the acceptability of existing WiP items and content. Items were refined and subsequently administered on an online survey (n = 768). Item reduction steps and exploratory factor analysis were performed on survey data. Convergent validity was examined using Pearson correlation coefficients to compare relationships with other included validated assessments. RESULTS Following amendments to three items, the addition of eight core WiP items and five LTC specific items, a total of 25 items were considered relevant and appropriate for use with pregnant women. Analysis of survey data reduced the questionnaire to 12 items measuring three core WiP scales; 1) Concerns over support after birth, 2) Positive pregnancy and, 3) Confidence about motherhood, and a five item standalone LTC specific scale. All scales demonstrated good validity and internal reliability. Scores for the three core scales moderately correlated with established well-being measures indicating that they were measuring similar, yet distinct concepts. CONCLUSIONS Analyses confirmed good psychometric properties of the refined WiP questionnaire. The use of pregnancy specific well-being measures, such as the WiP, provide a route into asking women in more detail about how their care may be tailored to support them and also facilitates positive conversations with women about how care and experience of pregnancy and childbirth may be enhanced further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kelly
- Health Services Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer J Kurinczuk
- NIHR Policy Research Unit Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Ray Fitzpatrick
- Health Services Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fiona Alderdice
- Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- NIHR Policy Research Unit Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
McGorm KJ, Brown JD, Thomson RL, Oakey H, Moore B, Hendry A, Colman PG, Craig ME, Davis EA, Harris M, Harrison LC, Haynes A, Soldatos G, Vuillermin P, Wentworth JM, Couper JJ, Penno MAS. A Long-Term Evaluation of Facebook for Recruitment and Retention in the ENDIA Type 1 Diabetes Pregnancy-Birth Cohort Study. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2022; 17:696-704. [PMID: 35193430 DOI: 10.1177/19322968221079867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) study is an Australia-wide pregnancy-birth cohort study following children who have a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes (ACTRN1261300794707). A dedicated ENDIA Facebook page was established in 2013 with the aim of enhancing recruitment and supporting participant retention through dissemination of study information. To measure the impact of Facebook, we evaluated the sources of referral to the study, cohort demographics, and withdrawal rates. We also investigated whether engagement with Facebook content was associated with specific post themes. METHODS Characteristics of Facebook versus conventional recruits were compared using linear, logistic, and multinomial logistic regression models. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk of study withdrawal. Data pertaining to 794 Facebook posts over 7.5 years were included in the analysis. RESULTS Facebook was the third largest source of referral (300/1511; 19.9%). Facebook recruits were more frequently Australian-born (P < .001) enrolling postnatally (P = .01) and withdrew from the study at a significantly lower rate compared with conventional recruits (4.7% vs 12.3%; P < .001) after a median of follow-up of 3.3 years. Facebook content featuring stories and images of participants received the highest engagement even though <20% of the 2337 Facebook followers were enrolled in the study. CONCLUSIONS Facebook was a valuable recruitment tool for ENDIA. Compared with conventional recruits, Facebook recruits were three times less likely to withdraw during long-term follow-up and had different sociodemographic characteristics. Facebook content featuring participants was the most engaging. These findings inform social media strategies for future cohort and type 1 diabetes studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN1261300794707.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J McGorm
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - James D Brown
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Thomson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Helena Oakey
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Belinda Moore
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexandra Hendry
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Peter G Colman
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maria E Craig
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Davis
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Harris
- Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Leonard C Harrison
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aveni Haynes
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Georgia Soldatos
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Vuillermin
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - John M Wentworth
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer J Couper
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Megan A S Penno
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cochrane KM, Hutcheon JA, Karakochuk CD. Strategies for improving recruitment of pregnant women to clinical research: An evaluation of social media versus traditional offline methods. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221095707. [PMID: 35531089 PMCID: PMC9069596 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221095707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the recruitment of pregnant women for a clinical trial in Vancouver, Canada, via social media versus offline methods and to explore optimization of social media campaigns. Methods Facebook was used to run nine social media campaigns (15 weeks total, CA$675). Offline methods were used concurrently over 64 weeks (printing costs: CA$300). The cost, rate of recruitment and conversion rate in each group was calculated. Performance metrics of social media campaigns (reach, impressions, clicks, inquiries, enrolments) were recorded. Linear regression was used to explore the association between metrics and dollars spent per campaign. Results In total, n = 481 inquiries were received: n = 51 (11%) via offline methods and n = 430 (89%) via social media. Enrolees (n = 60 total) included n = 24 (40%) and n = 36 (60%) via offline and social media methods, respectively. Gestational weeks upon inquiry (n = 251; mean ± SD) were not different among groups (offline: 13.3 ± 4.7; social media: 13.2 ± 5.6). Direct cost per enrolee was CA$13 and CA$19 via offline and social media methods, respectively (however, this does not include cost of labour). The rate of recruitment was approximately six times faster via social media. However, the conversion rate was higher via offline methods than social media (47% vs. 8%). The amount spent per campaign was significantly associated with improved clicks and inquiries, but not enrolments. Conclusions Social media was more efficient and effective than offline methods. We gained numerous insights for optimization of social media campaigns (dollars spent, attribution setting, photo testing, automatic optimization) to increase clicks and inquiries, however, this does not necessarily increase enrolments, which was more dependent on study-specific factors (e.g. time of year, study design).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Cochrane
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Hutcheon
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Crystal D Karakochuk
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ellington M, Connelly J, Clayton P, Lorenzo CY, Collazo-Velazquez C, Trak-Fellermeier MA, Palacios C. Use of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for recruiting healthy participants in nutrition-, physical activity-, or obesity-related studies: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr 2021; 115:514-533. [PMID: 34669955 PMCID: PMC8827067 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited systematic reviews exploring the use of social media for recruiting participants specifically for nutrition-, physical activity-, and obesity-related studies. OBJECTIVES The aim was to conduct a systematic review on the effectiveness of using social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for recruiting healthy participants in nutrition-, physical activity-, or obesity-related studies. METHODS Studies were identified from 5 databases and included if they reported the number of participants recruited by social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) vs. traditional (print, e-mail, etc.). The effectiveness of recruitment was compared between methods by study procedures (in-person vs. online procedures). The cost-effectiveness of methods was also explored. The protocol was published in the Prospero database (ID# CRD42020204414). RESULTS Twenty-six studies were included. Among studies with both types of recruitment methods, 49% of the sample was reached through traditional methods, 40% through social media, and the rest by other methods. For in-person study procedures, the median number of participants recruited using social media was 19 (range: 3-278) and for online study procedures, it was 298 (range: 3-17,069). Median recruitment cost using social media (n = 14 studies) was $11.90 (range: $0-517) per participant, while this varied considerably for traditional methods depending on how it was calculated ($214, $18.9-$777). The ratio of participants reached vs. recruited was 0.12%; the overall ratio of participants interactions vs. recruited was 21.2%. CONCLUSIONS For in-person study procedures, traditional recruitment methods were more effective than social media, but for online study procedures, about half reported that social media was more effective. While more potential participants were reached through social media, only 21.2% of those who interacted with ads were enrolled. With the increased use of social media, their use for recruitment may be more frequent; therefore, future reviews may show different results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malik Ellington
- Dietetics and Nutrition Department, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeneene Connelly
- Dietetics and Nutrition Department, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Priscilla Clayton
- Dietetics and Nutrition Department, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - C Yaisli Lorenzo
- Dietetics and Nutrition Department, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christina Collazo-Velazquez
- Dietetics and Nutrition Department, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - María Angélica Trak-Fellermeier
- Dietetics and Nutrition Department, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Faro EZ, Sauder KA, Anderson AL, Dunlop AL, Kerver JM, McGrath M, Roary M, Roman CW, Weidinger C, Huddleston KC. Characteristics of Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohorts Recruited During Pregnancy. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2021; 46:230-235. [PMID: 33993167 PMCID: PMC8225566 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to characterize the study designs, recruitment strategies, and other study characteristics among cohorts that initiated during pregnancy as part of the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. METHODS ECHO research programs (cohorts) were reviewed. Only those who had or were currently recruiting during pregnancy were surveyed in 2018 about research recruitment strategies (participant incentives, study burden, community collaboration, and cultural adaptations). Data are presented with cohort characteristics (location, inclusion and exclusion criteria, sociodemographics, medical information, behavioral factors, and biospecimens). RESULTS Forty-seven of the 84 ECHO pediatric cohorts recruited during pregnancy. Findings demonstrate various recruitment strategies, domains of data collection, and biospecimen collection are all characteristics of successful cohorts. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These data that include over 50,000 children from families across the country, many in underserved areas, will be used for research with the potential to lead to profound policy changes. Prenatal conditions such as maternal age, obesity, depression, and drug use can be examined using study data, including biological markers, from pregnancy through childbirth and into childhood and will inform national policies on the role of early life exposures and underlying mechanisms of disease progression.
Collapse
|
13
|
Norris P, Cousins K, Churchward M, Keown S, Hudson M, Isno L, Pereira L, Klavs J, Tang LL, Roberti H, Smith A. Recruiting people facing social disadvantage: the experience of the Free Meds study. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:149. [PMID: 34187468 PMCID: PMC8243494 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01483-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researching access to health services, and ways to improve equity, frequently requires researchers to recruit people facing social disadvantage. Recruitment can be challenging, and there is limited high quality evidence to guide researchers. This paper describes experiences of recruiting 1068 participants facing social disadvantage for a randomised controlled trial of prescription charges, and provides evidence on the advantages and disadvantages of recruitment methods. METHODS Those living in areas of higher social deprivation, taking medicines for diabetes, taking anti-psychotic medicines, or with COPD were eligible to participate in the study. Several strategies were trialled to meet recruitment targets. We initially attempted to recruit participants in person, and then switched to a phone-based system, eventually utilising a market research company to deal with incoming calls. We used a range of strategies to publicise the study, including pamphlets in pharmacies and medical centres, media (especially local newspapers) and social media. RESULTS Enrolling people on the phone was cheaper on average than recruiting in person, but as we refined our approach over time, the cost of the latter dropped significantly. In person recruitment had many advantages, such as enhancing our understanding of potential participants' concerns. Forty-nine percent of our participants are Māori, which we attribute to having Māori researchers on the team, recruiting in areas of high Māori population, team members' existing links with Māori health providers, and engaging and working with Māori providers. CONCLUSIONS Recruiting people facing social disadvantage requires careful planning and flexible recruitment strategies. Support from organisations trusted by potential participants is essential. REGISTRATION The Free Meds study is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12618001486213 ).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Norris
- Centre for Pacific Health, Va'a o Tautai, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Kimberly Cousins
- Centre for Pacific Health, Va'a o Tautai, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Marianna Churchward
- Health Services Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Leina Isno
- Centre for Pacific Health, Va'a o Tautai, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Leilani Pereira
- Centre for Pacific Health, Va'a o Tautai, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jacques Klavs
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Hanne Roberti
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Alesha Smith
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lovell H, Harris JM. A survey exploring women's use of mobile apps in labour in the United Kingdom. Midwifery 2021; 100:103041. [PMID: 34048942 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.103041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine women's use of mobile apps in labour in the United Kingdom. DESIGN Cross-sectional online survey. Descriptive analysis on women's reported use of apps whilst in labour, using multiple choice questions to explore frequency of app use and reasons and experiences of using apps. Thematic analysis of a free text question explored experiences and opinions regarding app use in labour. SETTING Social media. Two groups from Facebook.com and one group from Babycentre.co.uk PARTICIPANTS: A total of 749 women, surveyed over a one month period. MEASUREMENTS Demographics of women; characteristics of women's labours and birth; access to smartphones and app; rates of app use in labour and reasons for use; experiences of app use in labour. FINDINGS A total of 851 women responded, of which 749 were eligible. 431 (57.5%) reporting using an app in labour. No associations were found between age, ethnicity, education or mode of delivery and app use. Women who used an app were significantly more likely to have gone into labour spontaneously, and those who delivered between 40- 40+6 weeks gestation were significantly more likely to use an app. The majority of apps were used to monitor contractions, and most women found the apps useful and would recommend the apps they used. There was no association between number of labour ward attendances and app use, however women who used an app were significantly more likely to be admitted in more advanced labour. Qualitative comments found apps were viewed both as barriers and facilitators to the labour experience. KEY CONCLUSIONS A large number of women are using apps in labour, with potential benefits. There is no consensus from women on the experience of app use. The use of technology should not replace an individual assessment on a laboring women however. Although national bodies support the use of apps in maternity, there is currently insufficient evidence and regulation to support the safety and efficacy of these recommendations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Those working in maternity services should be aware many women are using apps in labour, and can consider this information as part of their assessment. Further work is needed to explore what women want from an app in labour, and to investigate whether app use can benefit a woman's experience of labour and improve outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Lovell
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care Faculty James Clerk Maxwell Building, 57 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8WA, England, United Kingdom.
| | - James Matthew Harris
- Women's Services, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, England, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Glazer JV, MacDonnell K, Frederick C, Ingersoll K, Ritterband LM. Liar! Liar! Identifying eligibility fraud by applicants in digital health research. Internet Interv 2021; 25:100401. [PMID: 34094883 PMCID: PMC8164029 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Online studies enable researchers to recruit large, diverse samples, but the nature of these studies provides an opportunity for applicants to misrepresent themselves to increase the likelihood of meeting eligibility criteria for a trial, particularly those that provide financial incentives. This study describes rates of fraudulent applications to an online intervention trial of an Internet intervention for insomnia among older adults (ages ≥55). Applicants were recruited using traditional (e.g., flyers, health providers), online (e.g., Craigslist, Internet searches), and social media (e.g., Facebook) recruitment methods. Applicants first submitted an interest form that included identifying information (name, date of birth, address). This data was then queried against a national database (TransUnion's TLOxp) to determine the application's verification status. Applications were determined to be verified (i.e., information from interest form matched TLOxp report), potentially fraudulent (i.e., potential discrepancy in provided information on interest form versus TLOxp report), or fraudulent (i.e., confirmed discrepancy). Of 1766 total interest forms received, 125 (7.08%) were determined to be fraudulent. Enrollment attempts that were fraudulent were detected among 12.22% of applicants who reported learning of the study through online, 7.04% through social media, 4.58% through traditional, and 4.27% through other methods. Researchers conducting online trials should take precautions, as applicants may provide fraudulent information to gain access to their studies. Reviewing all applications and verifying the identities and eligibility of participants is critical to the integrity of online research trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lee M. Ritterband
- Corresponding author at: University of Virginia School of Medicine, Center for Behavioral Health & Technology, Ivy Foundation Translational Research Building, 560 Ray C Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Smith R, Alvarez C, Crixell S, Lane MA. The Food, Feelings, and Family Study: comparison of the efficacy of traditional methods, social media, and broadcast email to recruit pregnant women to an observational, longitudinal nutrition study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:203. [PMID: 33711946 PMCID: PMC7953646 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03680-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is well known that recruitment is a challenging aspect of any study involving human subjects. This challenge is exacerbated when the population sought is reticent to participate in research as is the case with pregnant women and individuals with depression. This paper compares recruitment methods used for the Food, Feelings, and Family Study, an observational, longitudinal pilot study concerning how diet and bisphenol A exposure affect maternal mood and cognitive function during and after pregnancy. Methods Pregnant women were recruited to this study over a period of 15 months using traditional methods, social media including paid and unpaid posts, and emails broadcast to the university community. Contingency analysis using the Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to determine if recruitment method was associated with likelihood of participation. T-tests were used to analyze Facebook advertisement success. ANOVAs and Fisher exact tests were used to determine if recruitment method was related to continuous and categorical demographics, respectively. Results Social media resulted in the largest number of recruits, followed by traditional methods and broadcast email. Women recruited through social media were less likely to participate. In contrast, use of broadcast email resulted in a smaller pool of recruits but these recruits were more likely to be eligible for and complete the study. Most women recruited via social media were the result of unpaid posts to the study’s Facebook page. Paid posts lasting at least 4 days were the most successful. Recruitment method was not associated with participant demographics. Conclusions Social media has the potential to recruit a large pool of potential subjects; however, when studies require a large time investment such as the case here, women recruited through social media are less likely to participate and complete the study than women recruited through other means. Trial registration N/A. This study does not describe a health care intervention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03680-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Smith
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Crystal Alvarez
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Sylvia Crixell
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Michelle A Lane
- Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gustafsson LK, Rylander A. Experiences of surviving life-threatening illness: The meaning of recovery. Scand J Caring Sci 2020; 35:1160-1168. [PMID: 33200846 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recovery from life-threatening illness may be experienced as more demanding and lasts longer than patients first expect. Many patients experience recovery after life-threatening illness, as filled with complex problems. These problems are primarily physical and psychological, although also social, and adversely affect daily life as well as perceived quality of life. Patients experience uncertainty about living with the legacy of a life-threatening illness and how it negatively limits their daily lives and experienced health. AIM The purpose is to illuminate experiences of the meaning of recovery from life-threatening disease. ETHICAL APPROVAL Approval for the study was obtained through a Regional Research Ethics Committee. METHODS This study was conducted as a qualitative narrative study. This means that written stories of human recovery beyond suffering from life-threatening disease were collected and analysed with a phenomenological hermeneutic method. RESULTS The findings reveal two major areas - intrapersonal meanings and relational meanings. Four themes were found in these areas, each of which was divided into subthemes as follows: obstacles, for example disappointment of life, alienation of self and opportunities/resources: for example balance, own knowledge, hope and gratitude; relational obstacles, for example a lack of care, stigmatisation and economic stress; and relational resources such as informal care and professional care. STUDY LIMITATIONS The informants were predominantly women that may be explained by the fact that females seem to be more often engaged in social media and willing to participate in these kinds of studies. Another limitation is that we only reached out to Swedish speaking Facebook groups when recruiting our informants. CONCLUSIONS In the narratives of their recovery process, surprisingly few focused on professional health care as a resource. Experiences from the study may be used to further develop care, especially to support patient self-care regarding intrapersonal and relational resources that promote patient recovery beyond suffering from life-threatening disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena-Karin Gustafsson
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Anneli Rylander
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Brøgger-Mikkelsen M, Ali Z, Zibert JR, Andersen AD, Thomsen SF. Online Patient Recruitment in Clinical Trials: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e22179. [PMID: 33146627 PMCID: PMC7673977 DOI: 10.2196/22179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recruitment for clinical trials continues to be a challenge, as patient recruitment is the single biggest cause of trial delays. Around 80% of trials fail to meet the initial enrollment target and timeline, and these delays can result in lost revenue of as much as US $8 million per day for drug developing companies. Objective This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of online recruitment of participants for clinical trials compared with traditional in-clinic/offline recruitment methods. Methods Data on recruitment rates (the average number of patients enrolled in the study per month and per day of active recruitment) and conversion rates (the percentage of participants screened who proceed to enroll into the clinical trial), as well as study characteristics and patient demographics were collected from the included studies. Differences in online and offline recruitment rates and conversion rates were examined using random effects models. Further, a nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test was used for additional analysis on the cost-effectiveness of online patient recruitment. All data analyses were conducted in R language, and P<.05 was considered significant. Results In total, 3861 articles were screened for inclusion. Of these, 61 studies were included in the review, and 23 of these were further included in the meta-analysis. We found online recruitment to be significantly more effective with respect to the recruitment rate for active days of recruitment, where 100% (7/7) of the studies included had a better online recruitment rate compared with offline recruitment (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 4.17, P=.04). When examining the entire recruitment period in months we found that 52% (12/23) of the studies had a better online recruitment rate compared with the offline recruitment rate (IRR 1.11, P=.71). For cost-effectiveness, we found that online recruitment had a significantly lower cost per enrollee compared with offline recruitment (US $72 vs US $199, P=.04). Finally, we found that 69% (9/13) of studies had significantly better offline conversion rates compared with online conversion rates (risk ratio 0.8, P=.02). Conclusions Targeting potential participants using online remedies is an effective approach for patient recruitment for clinical research. Online recruitment was both superior in regard to time efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared with offline recruitment. In contrast, offline recruitment outperformed online recruitment with respect to conversion rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mette Brøgger-Mikkelsen
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Studies&Me A/S, LEO Innovation Lab, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zarqa Ali
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John R Zibert
- Studies&Me A/S, LEO Innovation Lab, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Simon Francis Thomsen
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Darmawan I, Bakker C, Brockman TA, Patten CA, Eder M. The Role of Social Media in Enhancing Clinical Trial Recruitment: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e22810. [PMID: 33104015 PMCID: PMC7652693 DOI: 10.2196/22810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruiting participants into clinical trials continues to be a challenge, which can result in study delay or termination. Recent studies have used social media to enhance recruitment outcomes. An assessment of the literature on the use of social media for this purpose is required. OBJECTIVE This study aims to answer the following questions: (1) How is the use of social media, in combination with traditional approaches to enhance clinical trial recruitment and enrollment, represented in the literature? and (2) Do the data on recruitment and enrollment outcomes presented in the literature allow for comparison across studies? METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature search across 7 platforms to identify clinical trials that combined social media and traditional methods to recruit patients. Study and participant characteristics, recruitment methods, and recruitment outcomes were evaluated and compared. RESULTS We identified 2371 titles and abstracts through our systematic search. Of these, we assessed 95 full papers and determined that 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 17 studies reported enrollment outcomes, of which 9 achieved or exceeded their enrollment target. The proportion of participants enrolled from social media in these studies ranged from 0% to 49%. Across all 33 studies, the proportion of participants recruited and enrolled from social media varied greatly. A total of 9 studies reported higher enrollment rates from social media than any other methods, and 4 studies reported the lowest cost per enrolled participant from social media. CONCLUSIONS While the assessment of the use of social media to improve clinical trial participation is hindered by reporting inconsistencies, preliminary data suggest that social media can increase participation and reduce per-participant cost. The adoption of consistent standards for reporting recruitment and enrollment outcomes is required to advance our understanding and use of social media to support clinical trial success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Darmawan
- Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Caitlin Bakker
- Health Sciences Libraries, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Tabetha A Brockman
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Christi A Patten
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Milton Eder
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Using Facebook to recruit to a national online survey investigating complementary medicine product use in pregnancy and lactation: A case study of method. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 17:864-874. [PMID: 32855079 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online recruitment can be targeted efficiently to recruit specific samples for survey research. It has been shown to be a cost-effective method of recruitment, and useful for geographically dispersed populations. OBJECTIVES To describe the use of Facebook to recruit a targeted sample of expectant and breastfeeding mothers to a national online survey. Different techniques to assess response rates using data provided by Facebook are also described. METHODS Participants accessed an anonymous online survey through a link included in posts from a Facebook page specifically set up for the research. Recruitment strategies were primarily of two types. Firstly, Facebook was paid to promote posts by displaying them on potential participants' Facebook feeds. Secondly, by purposive and snowball recruitment through the sharing of posts on relevant Facebook pages. Post success was measured by the reach, impressions, link clicks, post clicks, and click through rates; and for boosted posts, the cost per day, and cost per engagement with the post as well. Traditional methods of calculating response rates, and response rates using post clicks and survey link clicks were calculated. RESULTS After 10 weeks of recruitment, 1418 participants had enrolled in the study, and of these 810 (57.1%) completed the 20-minute (70 question) survey. Women participated from across Australia. Both paid and purposive approaches to promotion contributed to recruitment success. Paid promotions at higher costs for fewer days were the most successful. Total paid promotion costs were (Australian) $1147.97 (or $1.44 per completed survey). Purposive promotion was slower, but also contributed significantly to the number of people who saw the posts and clicked through to the survey. Traditional response rate calculations showed a response rate of 0.8%. Using post clicks and survey link clicks in calculations, resulted in response rates of 23.1% and 42.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS A combination of paid promotions and purposive and snowball recruitment on Facebook were used to successfully recruit 1418 participants resulting in 810 completed surveys over a 10-week period, at a low cost per participant. Use of additional methods to measure response rates may be useful in measuring the success of using Facebook posts in recruitment.
Collapse
|
21
|
Kupor D, Jia J, Tormala Z. Change Appeals: How Referencing Change Boosts Curiosity and Promotes Persuasion. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2020; 47:691-704. [PMID: 32755278 DOI: 10.1177/0146167220941294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Does merely referencing that an object or entity has changed affect people's attitudes and intentions toward it? This research investigates the possibility that change references spark curiosity and information seeking, which can have a positive or negative effect on people's evaluations of a target stimulus, depending on the information environment. Seven experiments reveal that referencing that an object or entity has changed decreases perceptions of its longevity, but also sparks curiosity about it-a desire to learn more. This curiosity motivates people to seek information about the object or entity, which can enhance or depress their evaluations depending on whether that information search leads to favorable or unfavorable information. When further information is unavailable, change references appear to have a negative impact on people's evaluations, consistent with well-established longevity biases. This research suggests that change references have an important and generalizable impact on persuasive outcomes and pinpoints the conditions surrounding and processes driving this effect.
Collapse
|
22
|
Frampton GK, Shepherd J, Pickett K, Griffiths G, Wyatt JC. Digital tools for the recruitment and retention of participants in randomised controlled trials: a systematic map. Trials 2020; 21:478. [PMID: 32498690 PMCID: PMC7273688 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04358-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruiting and retaining participants in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is challenging. Digital tools, such as social media, data mining, email or text-messaging, could improve recruitment or retention, but an overview of this research area is lacking. We aimed to systematically map the characteristics of digital recruitment and retention tools for RCTs, and the features of the comparative studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of these tools during the past 10 years. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, other databases, the Internet, and relevant web sites in July 2018 to identify comparative studies of digital tools for recruiting and/or retaining participants in health RCTs. Two reviewers independently screened references against protocol-specified eligibility criteria. Included studies were coded by one reviewer with 20% checked by a second reviewer, using pre-defined keywords to describe characteristics of the studies, populations and digital tools evaluated. RESULTS We identified 9163 potentially relevant references, of which 104 articles reporting 105 comparative studies were included in the systematic map. The number of published studies on digital tools has doubled in the past decade, but most studies evaluated digital tools for recruitment rather than retention. The key health areas investigated were health promotion, cancers, circulatory system diseases and mental health. Few studies focussed on minority or under-served populations, and most studies were observational. The most frequently-studied digital tools were social media, Internet sites, email and tv/radio for recruitment; and email and text-messaging for retention. One quarter of the studies measured efficiency (cost per recruited or retained participant) but few studies have evaluated people's attitudes towards the use of digital tools. CONCLUSIONS This systematic map highlights a number of evidence gaps and may help stakeholders to identify and prioritise further research needs. In particular, there is a need for rigorous research on the efficiency of the digital tools and their impact on RCT participants and investigators, perhaps as studies-within-a-trial (SWAT) research. There is also a need for research into how digital tools may improve participant retention in RCTs which is currently underrepresented relative to recruitment research. REGISTRATION Not registered; based on a pre-specified protocol, peer-reviewed by the project's Advisory Board.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoff K. Frampton
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
- Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
| | - Jonathan Shepherd
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
- Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
| | - Karen Pickett
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
- Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
| | - Gareth Griffiths
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton and Southampton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD UK
| | - Jeremy C. Wyatt
- Wessex Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NS UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Adam LM, Jarman M, Barker M, Manca DP, Lawrence W, Bell RC. Use of healthy conversation skills to promote healthy diets, physical activity and gestational weight gain: Results from a pilot randomised controlled trial. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:1134-1142. [PMID: 32035738 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the use of Healthy Conversation Skills (a client-centered communication approach to behaviour change) in supporting women to achieve optimal gestational-weight-gain and health behaviours. METHODS Seventy pregnant women were randomised to the control or intervention group. Study visits and phone calls were delivered by Registered Dietitians (RDs) to women in the intervention and control groups. The intervention RD was trained in Healthy Conversation Skills while the control RD was not. Diet, physical activity and gestational-weight-gain were assessed at baseline and again at follow-up in the intervention and control groups. RESULTS Women in the intervention group improved their diet score between baseline and visit 2, while the control group did not. At 34 weeks, women in the control group reported being sedentary for longer than women in the intervention group. There were no differences in total gestational-weight-gain between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women who interacted with an RD using Healthy Conversation Skills reported positive outcomes in health behaviours. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Healthy Conversation Skills shows promise as an approach to initiate, and maintain discussions promoting health behaviour change in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Adam
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H3, Canada
| | - Megan Jarman
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H3, Canada
| | - Mary Barker
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Donna P Manca
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Wendy Lawrence
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Shieh C, Khan I, Umoren R. Engagement design in studies on pregnancy and infant health using social media: Systematic review. Prev Med Rep 2020; 19:101113. [PMID: 32435580 PMCID: PMC7232087 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Social media utilization is prevalent among reproductive-age women. The literature on how researchers engage women in studies using social media platforms is scarce. This systematic review analyzed participant engagement design in studies using social media and focused on pregnancy and infant health. METHODS A literature search of EBSCO and PubMed databases was conducted. Included studies had to be completed with quantitative data, focus on pregnancy, postpartum or infant health, and use social media in the research process. A matrix of three engagement designs (passive, interactive, independent) and three research processes (recruitment, data analysis, intervention) was used for analysis. FINDINGS Thirty-one articles that reported 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, four were randomized controlled trials (RCT), four were non-RCT interventions, and 22 were observational/descriptive studies. The main purpose of using social media was for recruitment (n = 16), data analysis (n = 6), intervention (n = 8), or both recruitment and intervention (n = 1). Passive engagement was a fundamental design approach in all studies to access a data source that was either the participant or the data provided by the participants in social media. Interactive engagement, mostly for recruitment and intervention, was to engage participants in completing study enrollment or in interacting with the study team or fellow participants. Independent engagement involved off-line activities and appeared sporadically in intervention studies. CONCLUSIONS Passive and interactive engagement designs are more frequently used than independent engagement design. Researchers should select suitable designs when studying pregnancy and infant health using social media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carol Shieh
- Indiana University School of Nursing, 600 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Israt Khan
- Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, 1050 Wishard Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Rachel Umoren
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics-Neonatology, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Google AdWords and Facebook Ads for Recruitment of Pregnant Women into a Prospective Cohort Study With Long-Term Follow-Up. Matern Child Health J 2020; 23:1285-1291. [PMID: 31222599 PMCID: PMC6732125 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-019-02797-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Several types of epidemiologic studies suffer from decreasing participation rates, resulting in potential selection bias and delay or termination of studies. We aimed to determine the feasibility of online methods for recruitment of pregnant women into a prospective cohort study. Methods In addition to traditional recruitment through prenatal care providers, we advertized participation in the PRegnancy and Infant DEvelopment (PRIDE) Study, an ongoing prospective cohort study with long-term follow-up in The Netherlands enrolling women in early pregnancy, through Google AdWords (30 days) and Facebook Ads (31 and 27 days) campaigns between September 2016 and January 2017. We calculated costs per eligible participant and compared demographics, health-related characteristics, and follow-up rates between participants recruited through online methods and prenatal care providers. Results During the study period, we recruited six women through AdWords (€54.28 per participant), 59 through Facebook (€10.17 per participant), and 327 through prenatal care providers (no valid cost estimate available). Facebook participants seemed to be younger (29.0 vs. 30.7 years), to have a higher body mass-index and/or low/intermediate education (27.0 vs. 24.0 kg/m2 and 41 vs. 25%, respectively), and to start prenatal care in secondary care more often (12 vs. 5%) than participants recruited through prenatal care providers. Item non-response and loss to follow-up rates were higher among women recruited online than among those recruited through prenatal care providers. Conclusion Google AdWords did not contribute substantially, but Facebook Ads may complement traditional recruitment methods of pregnant women into prospective cohort studies, despite challenges that may threaten internal validity.
Collapse
|
26
|
van der Worp H, Loohuis AMM, Flohil IL, Kollen BJ, Wessels NJ, Blanker MH. Recruitment through media and general practitioners resulted in comparable samples in an RCT on incontinence. J Clin Epidemiol 2019; 119:85-91. [PMID: 31811893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to assess the impact of recruitment strategy on the baseline characteristics of patients recruited in a randomized controlled trial for treating women with urinary incontinence. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from an earlier trial. Women were recruited through the media (including social media) or from participating general practices. Baseline characteristics were compared by univariate testing. Logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association between recruitment type and multiple baseline characteristics. RESULTS The only differences between recruitment methods were in patient age, with those recruited through the media being significantly older than those recruited through general practice. The mean age difference was 5.0 years (95% confidence interval: 2.2-7.9). CONCLUSION Samples recruited through the media and through case identification were largely comparable. Therefore, recruitment through the media may be a viable alternative to recruitment through primary care. This may be especially relevant for research on eHealth treatment for conditions with which patients experience barriers when seeking health care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henk van der Worp
- Department General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O.-Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Anne M M Loohuis
- Department General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O.-Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ilse L Flohil
- Department General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O.-Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn J Kollen
- Department General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O.-Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke J Wessels
- Department General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O.-Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marco H Blanker
- Department General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O.-Box 196, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Reagan L, Nowlin SY, Birdsall SB, Gabbay J, Vorderstrasse A, Johnson C, D'Eramo Melkus G. Integrative Review of Recruitment of Research Participants Through Facebook. Nurs Res 2019; 68:423-432. [PMID: 31693547 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facebook (FB) has been widely used recently to recruit participants for adult health research. However, little is known about its effectiveness, cost, and the characteristics of participants recruited via FB when compared to other recruitment methods. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this integrative review was to examine the published evidence concerning the use of FB in participant recruitment for adult health research, as compared to other social media, online, and traditional recruitment methods. METHODS In this integrative review, we used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were the electronic databases used to identify the published articles. In regard to language, the search was limited. RESULTS The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of using FB for recruitment in healthcare research as compared to more traditional forms of recruitment remain unclear. Reporting of recruitment strategies is inconsistent, and costs are often not included. FB is being used for recruitment frequently with other methods and, although often effective, can be costly. DISCUSSION FB is used to recruit participants for a variety of studies, with researchers using both free and paid ads to reach potential participants. Reporting of recruitment methods needs to be more rigorous, streamlined, and standardized in scientific papers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Reagan
- Louise Reagan, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, FAANP, is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs. At the time of this research, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York. Sarah Y. Nowlin, PhD, MSN, is Postdoctoral Associate, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York. Stacia B. Birdsall, MPH, CNM, is Research Assistant, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York. Juliana Gabbay, BA, is a second year medical student at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York. At the time of this research, she was Research Assistant, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York. Allison Vorderstrasse, DNSc, APRN, FAAN, is Associate Professor, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York. Constance Johnson, PhD, RN, FAAN, is Associate Dean for Research, the University of Texas Jane and Robert Cizik School of Nursing, Houston. Gail D'Eramo Melkus, EdD, C-NP, FAAN, is Associate Dean for Research, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 80% of clinical trials fail to meet recruitment and enrollment goals. Recruitment can be even more challenging when vulnerable populations are the focus of the study. This problem may be mitigated with the use of contemporary and innovative methods such as Facebook recruitment. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this brief is to detail an account of diversifying recruitment strategies with the use of Facebook to recruit pregnant women into research. METHODS This brief was derived from a parent study that aimed to examine relationships among social determinants of health, psychophysiological stress, and mental health in pregnant women. A Facebook account was created in which the principal investigator (PI) sought permission and posted in private Facebook groups about the research study. All data reported and analyzed in this brief are frequencies of Facebook activity including, likes, shares, comments, referrals (i.e., tags), and participants enrolled. RESULTS Target enrollment for the parent study was met, with a total enrollment of 82 participants. The PI gained approval from 100% of the 61 private Facebook groups. Over 75% of the total sample was recruited in 48 days via Facebook. The greatest frequency of likes, shares, comments, and referrals by the recruitment flyer were generated from the sell/trade/jobs page. However, the greatest frequency of participants enrolled viewed the flyer in Facebook groups focused on parent discussion. Facebook groups classified as events, nonparent discussion, and miscellaneous were generally unsuccessful in yielding participants. DISCUSSION In order to decrease the time lag between research and practice, and to enroll more participants, innovative strategies are necessary. Although there is evidence that Facebook was useful in recruiting a sample of pregnant women into research, Facebook may also be a useful resource in recruiting other populations into research as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Herbell
- Kayla Herbell, PhD, RN, is Legacy Fellow, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Case, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Occa A, Morgan SE. Animations about Clinical Trial Participation for Cancer Patients and Survivors. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2019; 24:749-760. [PMID: 31543072 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2019.1668089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Communicating about clinical trials and medical research is challenging. An appropriate communication is essential to reduce some of the barriers associated with poor patients' enrollment in clinical trials and with patients' uninformed consent or uninformed refusal. An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of educational animations compared to brochures with and without visuals, and with the materials currently used by the NIH. These materials focused on explaining placebos, randomization, the steps necessary to enroll in a clinical trial, and how and by who patients' protection is ensured. A total of 1194 cancer patients and survivors completed this 4 by 4 experiment through a Qualtrics panel. The findings showed that animations improved participants knowledge about and attitudes toward clinical trials and were more effective than brochures presenting information from the NIH, especially for those individuals with low motivation and low ability to comprehend health-related information. Several evidence-based theoretical explanations of the functioning of animations are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Occa
- Department of Communication, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Susan E Morgan
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jerome RN, Dunkel L, Kennedy N, Olson EJ, Pulley JM, Bernard G, Wilkins CH, Harris PA. To end disease tomorrow, begin with trials today: Digital strategies for increased awareness of a clinical trials finder. J Clin Transl Sci 2019; 3:190-198. [PMID: 31660243 PMCID: PMC6799228 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2019.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals experiencing different medical conditions, as well as healthy volunteers, may often be interested in trial participation, and researchers similarly need to find participants to advance medical knowledge. The ResearchMatch (RM) Trials Today clinical trial searching tool leverages clinicaltrials.gov data to enable potential participants to look for trial opportunities relevant to their situation. To facilitate expanded use of this tool, we undertook a national digital public awareness campaign to increase awareness of Trials Today among members of the general public. METHODS The awareness campaign promoted Trials Today using Facebook and digital banner messages in 2017, encompassing nine cities across the USA. The digital strategy was complemented by print media in several outlets. We employed descriptive statistics to summarize campaign metrics and site usage data during the campaign. RESULTS The campaign was successful in increasing visits to Trials Today, with 142,303 sessions logged during its run, as compared to pre-campaign data indicating 104,688 total sessions during the entire 2-year period since the site's inception. The city-specific click-through rate for all digital impressions, combining Facebook and banner messaging, ranged from 0.50% to 1.09%, resulting in a cost-per-click range of $0.69-$1.15. In addition, visitors conducted 29,697 searches and viewed individual trial records 173,512 times. CONCLUSION The public awareness campaign was successful in increasing use of the RM Trials Today clinical trial searching tool. Our findings support the value of digital media messaging as a cost-effective vehicle for promoting clinical trial awareness, especially for chronic ailments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca N. Jerome
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Leah Dunkel
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nan Kennedy
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Erik J. Olson
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jill M. Pulley
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Gordon Bernard
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Consuelo H. Wilkins
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center,Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Paul A. Harris
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ziegenfuss JY, Renner J, Harvey L, Katz AS, Mason KA, McCann P, Mettner J, Nelson KD, Taswell R, Wacholz BK, Kottke TE. Responses to a Social Media Campaign Promoting Safe Fish Consumption Among Women. Prev Chronic Dis 2019; 16:E99. [PMID: 31370919 PMCID: PMC6716398 DOI: 10.5888/pcd16.180621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We used a framework to systematically evaluate which Facebook advertisements promoting safe fish consumption increased traffic to our website. Keeping images and headlines constant, we tested 11 message types in 5 categories between 2 audiences over a 24-hour weekday period. We identified clear preferences in 9 of 10 comparisons and evidence to suggest that more women prefer presentation of question format compared with narratives, marketing compared with patient education copy, and uncertain compared with certain copy. Our test of messages on a social media platform is a quick and inexpensive way to select the most engaging public health messages for broad dissemination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Renner
- HealthPartners Institute, 3311 E Old Shakopee Rd, Mailstop 23301A, Bloomington, MN 55425.
| | - Lisa Harvey
- HealthPartners Institute, Bloomington, Minnesota
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ruth Taswell
- HealthPartners Institute, Bloomington, Minnesota
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sapp JLC, Vogel RL, Telfair J, Reagan JK. Evaluating Web-Based Platforms and Traditional Methods for Recruiting Tattoo Artists: Descriptive Survey Research Study. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2196/14151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
|
33
|
Truong MBT, Ngo E, Ariansen H, Tsuyuki RT, Nordeng H. Community pharmacist counseling in early pregnancy-Results from the SafeStart feasibility study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219424. [PMID: 31323048 PMCID: PMC6641474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community pharmacists are available to counsel women in early pregnancy, but no studies have assessed the feasibility of such a service. Objective To test the feasibility of a pharmacist consultation in early pregnancy and to inform the design of a definitive trial. Setting Six community pharmacies in Norway from Oct. to Dec. 2017. Method We evaluated recruitment approaches and an automatic data preprocessing system (ADPS) to enroll, assign participants, and distribute questionnaires. Women (≥18 years) in early pregnancy were eligible for inclusion. Participants were assigned to a pharmacist consultation (intervention group) or standard care (control group). The intervention aimed to address each woman’s concerns and needs regarding medications and ailments in pregnancy, and was documented on a standard form. The women’s acceptability of the intervention was measured by a questionnaire. Main outcome measures Appropriate recruitment approaches, workflow of the ADPS, and women’s acceptability of the intervention. Results Of the 35 participants recruited, 19 were recruited through Facebook. The ADPS worked well. Treatment of nausea and vomiting (NVP) (10/11) and general information about medications (8/11) were frequently discussed during the consultations (n = 11). The women reported high satisfaction with the consultation. Having the option of telephone and follow-up consultations was important to the women. Conclusion It is feasible to provide community pharmacist consultations in early pregnancy. In a definitive study, the consultations should focus on NVP and general medication use and further explore social media as a recruiting tool. Both in-pharmacy and telephone consultations should be offered to deliver the intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elin Ngo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Ariansen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- The Norwegian Pharmacy Association, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ross T. Tsuyuki
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Hedvig Nordeng
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jarman M, Adam L, Lawrence W, Barker M, Bell RC. Healthy conversation skills as an intervention to support healthy gestational weight gain: Experience and perceptions from intervention deliverers and participants. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:924-931. [PMID: 30598358 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In a pilot RCT we assessed training a dietitian in "Healthy Conversation Skills" (HCS) to support behavior change. This study describes the acceptability of the intervention from the participant and practitioner perspective. METHODS Seventy pregnant women participated (intervention = 33; control = 37). The evaluation included: i)audio-recording sessions to assess use of HCS from the intervention dietitian; ii)semi-structured interview with the intervention dietitian to assess experiences of using HCS; iii)Quality of Prenatal Care Questionnaire and focus groups to assess participants' views of study experience. RESULTS Intervention sessions involved conversations where the dietitian used HCS. The dietitian reflected on the simplicity of learning HCS in training but the challenges of embedding these new skills in practice and highlighted the need to review and reflect on practice as an ongoing process. Intervention participants were more satisfied with the study (p = 0.05) and more likely to agree that the dietitian took time to ask about things that were important to them (p = 0.04) than control participants. CONCLUSION Use of HCS by practitioners is an acceptable way to support lifestyle changes in pregnancy. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Use of HCS provide opportunities to support behaviour change. Review of and reflecting on practice may facilitate the application of new skills in practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Jarman
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada.
| | - Laura Adam
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Wendy Lawrence
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Mary Barker
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chung SY, Hacker ED, Rawl S, Ellis R, Bakas T, Jones J, Welch J. Using Facebook in Recruiting Kidney Transplant Recipients for a REDCap Study. West J Nurs Res 2019; 41:1790-1812. [PMID: 30836840 DOI: 10.1177/0193945919832600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This web-based study recruited kidney transplant recipients from Facebook using three recruiting methods over a 5-week period. Participants completed 125 survey items via REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) survey. Facebook recruitment generated 153 eligible participants who completed surveys. The average survey response time was 15.07 min (SD = 6.12; range: 4-43), with a low missing item rate (<5%). Facebook's standard ads were most effective for recruiting subjects (n = 78, 51%), followed by three targeted Facebook kidney transplant support groups (n = 52, 34%) and a pay-to-promote study page (n = 12, 7.8%). The average cost paid for each valid survey was US$2.19 through standard Facebook ads and US$2.92 from the study page. The cost for online survey completion is economically feasible even for those with limited funds. Issues related to online surveys including extreme survey response times and participant misrepresentation were reported in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yu Chung
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, USA
| | | | - Susan Rawl
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, USA
| | - Rebecca Ellis
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, USA
| | | | - Josette Jones
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, USA
| | - Janet Welch
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Stephenson NL, Hetherington E, Dodd S, Mathews A, Tough S. Mitigation of Participant Loss to Follow-Up Using Facebook: All Our Families Longitudinal Pregnancy Cohort. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e10441. [PMID: 30767901 PMCID: PMC6396073 DOI: 10.2196/10441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facebook, a popular social media site, allows users to communicate and exchange information. Social media sites can also be used as databases to search for individuals, including cohort participants. Retaining and tracking cohort participants are essential for the validity and generalizability of data in longitudinal research. Despite numerous strategies to minimize loss to follow-up, maintaining contact with participants is time-consuming and resource-intensive. Social media may provide alternative methods of contacting participants who consented to follow-up but could not be reached, and thus are potentially "lost to follow-up." OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine if Facebook was a feasible method for identifying and contacting participants of a longitudinal pregnancy cohort who were lost to follow-up and re-engaging them without selection bias. METHODS This study used data from the All Our Families cohort. Of the 2827 mother-child dyads within the cohort, 237 participants were lost to follow-up. Participants were considered lost to follow-up if they had agreed to participate in additional research, completed at least one of the perinatal questionnaires, did not complete the 5-year postpartum questionnaire, and could not be contacted after numerous attempts via phone, email, or mail. Participants were considered to be matched to a Facebook profile if 2 or more characteristics matched information previously collected. Participants were sent both a friend request and a personal message through the study's Facebook page and were invited to verify their enrollment in the study. The authors deemed a friend request was necessary because of the reduced functionality of nonfriend direct messaging at the time. If the participant accepted the study's friend request, then a personalized message was sent. Participants were considered reconnected if they accepted the friend request or responded to any messages. Participants were considered re-engaged if they provided up-to-date contact information. RESULTS Compared with the overall cohort, participants who were lost to follow-up (n=237) were younger (P=.003), nonmarried (P=.02), had lower household income (P<.001), less education (P<.001), and self-identified as being part of an ethnic minority (P=.02). Of the 237 participants considered lost to follow-up, 47.7% (113/237) participants were identified using Facebook. Among the 113 identified participants, 77.0% (87/113) were contacted, 32.7% (37/113) were reconnected, and 17.7% (20/113) were re-engaged. No significant differences were found between those identified on Facebook (n=113) and those who were not able to be identified (n=124). CONCLUSIONS Facebook identified 47.6% (113/237) of participants who were considered lost to follow-up, and the social media site may be a practical tool for reconnecting with participants. The results from this study demonstrate that social networking sites, such as Facebook, could be included in the development of retention practices and can be implemented at any point in cohort follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Lee Stephenson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Erin Hetherington
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shawn Dodd
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alexander Mathews
- O'Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Graham JE, Moore JL, Bell RC, Miller T. Digital Marketing to Promote Healthy Weight Gain Among Pregnant Women in Alberta: An Implementation Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e11534. [PMID: 30707100 PMCID: PMC6376330 DOI: 10.2196/11534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As the use of digital media for health promotion has become increasingly common, descriptive studies exploring current and innovative marketing strategies can enhance the understanding of effective strategies and best practices. Objective This study aims to describe the implementation of a provincial digital media campaign using complementary advertising platforms to promote healthy pregnancy weight gain messages and direct a Web audience to a credible website. Methods The digital media campaign occurred in 3 phases, each for 8 weeks, and consisted of search engine marketing using Google AdWords and social media advertising through Facebook. All advertising materials directed users to evidence-based pregnancy-related weight gain content on the Healthy Parents, Healthy Children website. Results Google Ads received a total of 43,449 impressions, 2522 clicks, and an average click-through rate (CTR) of 5.80%. Of people who clicked on a Google ad, 78.9% (1989/2522) completed an action on the website. Across all Facebook advertisements, there were 772,263 impressions, 14,482 clicks, and an average CTR of 1.88%. The highest-performing advertisement was an image of a group of diverse pregnant women with the headline “Pregnancy weight is not the same for every woman.” Conclusions This study supports the use of digital marketing as an important avenue for delivering health messages and directing Web users to credible sources of information. The opportunity to reach large, yet targeted audiences, along with the ability to monitor and evaluate metrics to optimize activities throughout a campaign is a powerful advantage over traditional marketing tactics. Health organizations can use the results and insights of this study to help inform the design and implementation of similar Web-based activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn E Graham
- Reproductive Health, Population, Public and Indigenous Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jana L Moore
- Reproductive Health, Population, Public and Indigenous Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Terri Miller
- Reproductive Health, Population, Public and Indigenous Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Akers L, Gordon JS. Using Facebook for Large-Scale Online Randomized Clinical Trial Recruitment: Effective Advertising Strategies. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e290. [PMID: 30409765 PMCID: PMC6250956 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted Facebook advertising can be an effective strategy to recruit participants for a large-scale online study. Facebook advertising is useful for reaching people in a wide geographic area, matching a specific demographic profile. It can also target people who would be unlikely to search for the information and would thus not be accessible via Google AdWords. It is especially useful when it is desirable not to raise awareness of the study in a demographic group that would be ineligible for the study. This paper describes the use of Facebook advertising to recruit and enroll 1145 women over a 15-month period for a randomized clinical trial to teach support skills to female partners of male smokeless tobacco users. This tutorial shares our study team’s experiences, lessons learned, and recommendations to help researchers design Facebook advertising campaigns. Topics covered include designing the study infrastructure to optimize recruitment and enrollment tracking, creating a Facebook presence via a fan page, designing ads that attract potential participants while meeting Facebook’s strict requirements, and planning and managing an advertising campaign that accommodates the rapid rate of diminishing returns for each ad.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Akers
- Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Judith S Gordon
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Williamson GR, O'Connor A, Chamberlain C, Halpin D. mHealth resources for asthma and pregnancy care: Methodological issues and social media recruitment. A discussion paper. J Adv Nurs 2018; 74:2442-2449. [PMID: 29943472 DOI: 10.1111/jan.13773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS A discussion of methodological issues and social media recruitment to a feasibility study to investigate mHealth resources for asthma and pregnancy care. BACKGROUND Pregnant women with asthma are reported to be poorly supported according to an international research. We sought to establish if a mHealth intervention might be feasible and acceptable to them. DESIGN A Phase I or modelling study. METHODS A project team designed an intervention to address UK national guidelines for the management of asthma during pregnancy, using other resources already accessible on the web. This was made available on a project website optimized for mobile phone usage. Links were Tweeted and advertised on Facebook, asking participants to access the project website, which included links to the resources and before- and after-use questionnaires to establish baseline symptom data and participant views of the resources. RESULTS Despite 55,700 Twitter impressions in a 76-day period over winter 2016-2017, this recruitment strategy garnered 402 engagements but only seven respondents for questionnaire 1 and zero respondents for questionnaire 2. CONCLUSIONS We could not recruit to this study despite believing that social media recruitment would be effective and we recommend that social media recruitment be used cautiously. Apparently, we did not sufficiently address the theoretical aspects of communications theory and were not clear enough about our key messages. Publication bias may exist about the non-publication of other failed telemedicine studies using social media; this goes largely unreported in some systematic reviews and may influence researchers' decision-making about social media recruitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham R Williamson
- Adult Nursing, The Exeter School of Nursing, University of Plymouth, WESC Foundation, Topsham Rd, Exeter, UK
| | - Anita O'Connor
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | | | - David Halpin
- Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Rd, Exeter, UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chover-Sierra E, Martínez-Sabater A. Utility of social networks and online data collection in nursing research: Analysis of Spanish nurses' level of knowledge about palliative care. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197377. [PMID: 29758066 PMCID: PMC5951581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Internet-based social networks are used by nurses with different purposes, including the creation of working groups and to share and create knowledge. PURPOSE To evaluate the utility of social networks in the dissemination of an online questionnaire and to measure Spanish RNs' knowledge about palliative care. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Using social networks we distributed an online questionnaire with the Spanish version of Palliative Care Quiz for Nurses (PCQN-SV) throughout August 2015. RESULTS A direct relationship between the number of responses and the questionnaire's apparitions in each social network was found. Comparing the results obtained by the 446 RNs participating in this study with those obtained in the study to pilot the PCQN-SV we identify that differences found are related to the participants' features (years of experience and hours of training in palliative care) and not to the type of questionnaire they answered. CONCLUSIONS Social networks have shown to be a useful tool for nursing research by its ability, to recruit participants as well as to collect data, so their role as an instrument of research should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Chover-Sierra
- Nursing Department, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Hospital General Universitario, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Torres R, Kehoe P, Heilemann MV. Predictors of Timely Prenatal Care Initiation and Adequate Utilization in a Sample of Late Adolescent Texas Latinas. HISPANIC HEALTH CARE INTERNATIONAL 2018; 16:29-35. [PMID: 29623739 DOI: 10.1177/1540415318764096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known of late adolescent Texas Latinas' prenatal care perceptions or how these perceptions predict timely prenatal care initiation or adequate utilization. Hence, the purpose of this study is to describe and compare these perceptions between participants with timely versus late prenatal care initiation and adequate, intermediate, and inadequate prenatal care utilization; and to determine predictors of timely prenatal care initiation and adequate utilization. METHODS Fifty-four postpartum Latinas were recruited through social media. Eligibility criteria were 18 to 21 years old, Texas-born, primiparous, uncomplicated pregnancy/delivery, and English literate. Prenatal care perceptions were measured with the Revised Better Babies Survey and Access Barriers to Care Index. RESULTS Participants had favorable views of prenatal care benefits; however, not living with the baby's father predicted inadequate prenatal care, Wald χ2(1) = 4.93, p = .026. Perceived benefits of timely and adequate prenatal care predicted timely prenatal care initiation, χ2(1) = 7.47, p = .006. Self-reported depression during pregnancy predicted timely entry into prenatal care, χ2(1) = 4.73, p = .03. CONCLUSION Participants' positive prenatal care perceptions did not predict adequate prenatal care utilization, indicating that barriers serve as powerful obstacles in late adolescent Texas Latinas.
Collapse
|
42
|
Crouthamel BC, Schiff MA, Amies Oelschlager AME, Prager SW, Debiec KE. Bits and Pieces: A Crowd-Sourced Series of 54 Cases of Fractured Hormonal Implants. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2018; 31:128-131. [PMID: 29030157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Revised: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE The fracture of hormonal implants, including Implanon, Nexplanon (both from Merck & Co, Inc), and histrelin acetate is rare. Our aim was to describe patient demographic characteristics, mechanisms, and consequences of fractured implants by surveying physicians' experience via listservs and social media. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We developed a Research Electronic Data Capture survey for physicians regarding their experience with implant fracture, including patient characteristics, mechanism of fracture, changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, time from insertion to fracture, and time from fracture to seeking care. We distributed the survey to providers in listservs for the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, the Family Planning Fellowship, the Ryan Program, and the Facebook Physician Moms Group and Facebook OB-GYN Mom Group. We performed descriptive analyses. RESULTS We received 42 survey responses, representing 54 discrete implant fractures of which 70% (n=14) were Nexplanon, 26% (n=38) were Implanon, and 4% (n=2) were histrelin acetate. Mechanisms of implant fracture included patient manipulation (23%, n=12), unintentional trauma (11%, n=6), interpersonal violence (8%, n=4), lifting/carrying (6%, n=3), fracture with removal (6%, n=3), and unknown (47%, n=25). Bleeding pattern was not altered in 78% (n=42) of cases. Time interval between placement and fracture was less than 2 years for 63% (n=34) of cases. Thirty-nine percent (n=21) of patients presented for care more than 1 month from the time of fracture. CONCLUSION Patients should be counseled about potential for hormonal implant fracture, advised against excessive manipulation of implants, and counseled to present for care immediately upon noticing an implant fracture. Surveying physicians through listervs and social media is an effective strategy to increase the reporting of rare complications and events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie C Crouthamel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Melissa A Schiff
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Sarah W Prager
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Katherine E Debiec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tustin JL, Crowcroft NS, Gesink D, Johnson I, Keelan J. Internet Exposure Associated With Canadian Parents' Perception of Risk on Childhood Immunization: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2018; 4:e7. [PMID: 29351896 PMCID: PMC5797285 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.8921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a large presence of provaccination and antivaccination content on the Internet. The Internet has been identified as an important source for parents to seek and share vaccine information. There are concerns that parental fears or hesitancy on childhood immunizations are increasing due to the popularity of social media and exposure to online antivaccination sentiment. No other studies have investigated the association between seeking vaccine information online and Canadian parents' perception of risk on childhood immunization. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the potential association between seeking vaccine information on the Internet and Canadian parents' perception of risk on childhood immunization in order to quantify the perceived association and increase our understanding on the impact of the Internet to help guide public health interventions. METHODS We analyzed this association in two population samples: a self-selecting Web-based sample of Canadian parents recruited through Facebook (n=966) and a population-based sample of parents recruited by random digit dialing (RDD; n=951). The outcome was parental perception of vaccine safety on a seven-point ordinal scale from "not safe" to "extremely safe." An ordinal regression model was used to investigate if Internet information seeking on childhood vaccination predicted parental perception of vaccine safety. RESULTS After adjusting for income level, Internet reliability, age of parent, and region, the odds of perceiving vaccines as less safe rather than more safe were 1.6 times higher (95% CI 1.3-2.1) for parents who used the Internet to search for vaccination information compared to parents who did not search the Internet in the Web-based sample, and 2.0 times higher (95% CI 1.6-2.5) in the population-based RDD sample. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest the Internet is significantly associated with Canadian parents' negative perception of vaccine risk. Governmental and scientific sectors should consider the development and implementation of Web-based vaccine interventions to promote confidence in immunization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Lee Tustin
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Natasha Sarah Crowcroft
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dionne Gesink
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Johnson
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Advertising via Facebook to elicit involvement in clinical trials has demonstrated promise in expanding geographic reach while maintaining confidentiality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate Facebook advertising to reach at-risk, predominately African American or Black women in higher HIV prevalence communities for an HIV prevention clinical trial, and to compare baseline characteristics to those recruited on-the-ground. Maintaining confidentiality and the practical aspects of creating and posting ads on Facebook are described. The advertising strategy targeted multicultural affinities, gender, age, interest terms, and zip codes. We report on results during 205 days. A total of 516,498 Facebook users viewed the ads an average of four times, resulting in 37,133 clicks to the study website. Compared to 495 screened on-the-ground, 940 were screened via Facebook ads, of these, half (n = 477, 50.74%) were high risk, and of those at risk, 154 were randomized into the 6-month clinical trial. Black women comprised 71.60% (n = 673) of the total screened online. Roughly twice as many Black women screened via Facebook compared to on-the-ground, yet, the percentage at high risk was similar. Preliminary data suggest that the extent to which ad headlines and photos tap into authentic social experience, advertising on Facebook can extend geographic reach and provide a comparative sample to women recruited on-the-ground.
Collapse
|
45
|
Pasman WJ, Boessen R, Donner Y, Clabbers N, Boorsma A. Effect of Caffeine on Attention and Alertness Measured in a Home-Setting, Using Web-Based Cognition Tests. JMIR Res Protoc 2017; 6:e169. [PMID: 28882811 PMCID: PMC5608989 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.6727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing interest among nutritional researchers to perform lifestyle and nutritional intervention studies in a home setting instead of testing subjects in a clinical unit. The term used in other disciplines is 'ecological validity' stressing a realistic situation. This becomes more and more feasible because devices and self-tests that enable such studies are more commonly available. Here, we present such a study in which we reproduced the effect of caffeine on attention and alertness in an at-home setting. OBJECTIVE The study was aimed to reproduce the effect of caffeine on attention and alertness using a Web-based study environment of subjects, at home, performing different Web-based cognition tests. METHODS The study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. Subjects were provided with coffee sachets (2 with and 2 without caffeine). They were also provided with a written instruction of the test days. Healthy volunteers consumed a cup of coffee after an overnight fast. Each intervention was repeated once. Before and 1 hour after coffee consumption subjects performed Web-based cognitive performance tests at home, which measured alertness and attention, established by 3 computerized tests provided by QuantifiedMind. Each test was performed for 5 minutes. RESULTS Web-based recruitment was fast and efficient. Within 2 weeks, 102 subjects applied, of whom 70 were eligible. Of the 66 subjects who started the study, 53 completed all 4 test sessions (80%), indicating that they were able to perform the do it yourself tests, at home, correctly. The Go-No Go cognition test performed at home showed the same significant improvement in reaction time with caffeine as found in controlled studies in a metabolic ward (P=.02). For coding and N-back the second block was performed approximately 10% faster. No effect was seen on correctness. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that the effects of caffeine consumption on a cognition test in an at-home setting revealed similar results as in a controlled setting. The Go-No Go test applied showed improved results after caffeine intake, similar as seen in clinical trials. This type of study is a fast, reliable, economical, and easy way to demonstrate effectiveness of a supplement and is rapidly becoming a viable alternative for the classical randomized control trial to evaluate life style and nutritional interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02061982; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02061982 (Archived by WebCite at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02061982).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilrike J Pasman
- TNO, Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Zeist, Netherlands
| | - Ruud Boessen
- TNO, Department of Risk Analysis for Products In Development, Zeist, Netherlands
| | - Yoni Donner
- Stanford University, Department of Computer Sciences, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Nard Clabbers
- TNO, Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Zeist, Netherlands
| | - André Boorsma
- TNO, Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Zeist, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Whitaker C, Stevelink S, Fear N. The Use of Facebook in Recruiting Participants for Health Research Purposes: A Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2017; 19:e290. [PMID: 28851679 PMCID: PMC5594255 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.7071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 437] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media is a popular online tool that allows users to communicate and exchange information. It allows digital content such as pictures, videos and websites to be shared, discussed, republished and endorsed by its users, their friends and businesses. Adverts can be posted and promoted to specific target audiences by demographics such as region, age or gender. Recruiting for health research is complex with strict requirement criteria imposed on the participants. Traditional research recruitment relies on flyers, newspaper adverts, radio and television broadcasts, letters, emails, website listings, and word of mouth. These methods are potentially poor at recruiting hard to reach demographics, can be slow and expensive. Recruitment via social media, in particular Facebook, may be faster and cheaper. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding the current use and success of Facebook to recruit participants for health research purposes. METHODS A literature review was completed in March 2017 in the English language using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycInfo, Google Scholar, and a hand search of article references. Papers from the past 12 years were included and number of participants, recruitment period, number of impressions, cost per click or participant, and conversion rate extracted. RESULTS A total of 35 studies were identified from the United States (n=22), Australia (n=9), Canada (n=2), Japan (n=1), and Germany (n=1) and appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. All focused on the feasibility of recruitment via Facebook, with some (n=10) also testing interventions, such as smoking cessation and depression reduction. Most recruited young age groups (16-24 years), with the remaining targeting specific demographics, for example, military veterans. Information from the 35 studies was analyzed with median values being 264 recruited participants, a 3-month recruitment period, 3.3 million impressions, cost per click of US $0.51, conversion rate of 4% (range 0.06-29.50), eligibility of 61% (range 17-100), and cost per participant of US $14.41. The studies showed success in penetrating hard to reach populations, finding the results representative of their control or comparison demographic, except for an over representation of young white women. CONCLUSIONS There is growing evidence to suggest that Facebook is a useful recruitment tool and its use, therefore, should be considered when implementing future health research. When compared with traditional recruitment methods (print, radio, television, and email), benefits include reduced costs, shorter recruitment periods, better representation, and improved participant selection in young and hard to reach demographics. It however, remains limited by Internet access and the over representation of young white women. Future studies should recruit across all ages and explore recruitment via other forms of social media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Whitaker
- Kings Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Stevelink
- Kings Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Fear
- Kings Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Parackal M, Parackal S, Eusebius S, Mather D. The Use of Facebook Advertising for Communicating Public Health Messages: A Campaign Against Drinking During Pregnancy in New Zealand. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2017; 3:e49. [PMID: 28798011 PMCID: PMC5571231 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.7032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media is gaining recognition as a platform for delivering public health messages. One area attracting attention from public health researchers and professionals is Facebook's advertising channel. This channel is reported to have a broad reach and generate high user engagement with the disseminated campaign materials. However, to date, no study has examined the communication process via this channel which this study aimed to address. OBJECTIVE The specific objectives of the study were to (1) examine user engagement for a public health campaign based on the metadata provided by Facebook, (2) analyze comments generated by the campaign materials using text mining, and (3) investigate the relationship between the themes identified in the comments and the message and the sentiments prevalent in the themes that exhibited significant relationships. METHODS This study examined a New Zealand public health pilot campaign called "Don't Know? Don't Drink," which warned against drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The campaign conveyed the warning through a video and three banner ads that were delivered as news feeds to women aged 18-30 years. Thematic analysis using text mining performed on the comments (n=819) identified four themes. Logistic regression was used to identify meaning-making themes that exhibited association with the message. RESULTS The users' engagement was impressive with the video receiving 203,754 views. The combined likes and shares for the promotional materials (video and banner ads) amounted to 6125 and 300, respectively. The logistic regression analysis showed two meaning-making themes, namely, risk of pregnancy (P=.003) and alcohol and culture (P<.001) exhibited association with the message. The sentiment analysis carried out on the two themes revealed there were more negative than positive comments (47% vs 28%). CONCLUSIONS The user engagement observed in this study was consistent with previous research. The numbers reported for views, likes, and shares may be seen as unique interactions over the fixed period of the campaign; however, survey research would be required to find out the true evaluative worth of these metadata. A close examination of the comments, employing text mining, revealed that the message was not accepted by a majority of the target segment. Self-identity and conformity theories may help to explain these observed reactions, albeit warrant further investigations. Although the comments were predominantly negative, they provide opportunities to engage back with the women. The one-way communication format followed in this campaign did not support any two-way engagement. Further investigation is warranted to establish whether using a two-way communication format would have improved the acceptability of such public health messages delivered via social media. The findings of this study caution using a one-way communication format to convey public health messages via Facebook's advertising channel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Parackal
- Department of Marketing, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sherly Parackal
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Shobhit Eusebius
- Department of Marketing, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Damien Mather
- Department of Marketing, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Tustin JL, Crowcroft NS, Gesink D, Johnson I, Keelan J, Lachapelle B. Facebook Recruitment of Vaccine-Hesitant Canadian Parents: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2017; 3:e47. [PMID: 28739557 PMCID: PMC5547248 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.6870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is concern over the increase in the number of “vaccine-hesitant” parents, which contributes to under-vaccinated populations and reduced herd immunity. Traditional studies investigating parental immunization beliefs and practices have relied on random digit dialing (RDD); however, this method presents increasing limitations. Facebook is the most used social media platform in Canada and presents an opportunity to recruit vaccine-hesitant parents in a novel manner. Objective The study aimed to explore the use of Facebook as a tool to reach vaccine-hesitant parents, as compared with RDD methods. Methods We recruited Canadian parents over 4 weeks in 2013-14 via targeted Facebook advertisements linked to a Web-based survey. We compared methodological parameters, key parental demographics, and three vaccine hesitancy indicators to an RDD sample of Canadian parents. Two raters categorized respondent reasons for difficulties in deciding to vaccinate, according to the model of determinants of vaccine hesitancy developed by the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization. Results The Facebook campaign received a total of 4792 clicks from unique users, of whom 1696 started the Web-based survey. The total response rate of fully completed unique Web-based surveys was 22.89% (1097/4792) and the survey completion rate was 64.68% (1097/1696). The total cost including incentives was reasonable (Can $4861.19). The Web-based sample yielded younger parents, with 85.69% (940/1097) under the age of 40 years as compared with 23.38% (408/1745) in the RDD sample; 91.43% (1003/1097) of the Facebook respondents were female as compared with 59.26% (1034/1745) in the RDD sample. Facebook respondents had a lower median age of their youngest child (1 year vs 8 years for RDD). When compared with the RDD sample, the Web-based sample yielded a significantly higher proportion of respondents reporting vaccines as moderately safe to not safe (26.62% [292/1097] vs 18.57% [324/1745]), partially or not at all up-to-date vaccination status of youngest child (22.06% [242/1097] vs 9.57% [167/1745]), and difficulty in making the decision to vaccinate their youngest child (21.06% [231/1097] vs 10.09% [176/1745]). Out of the Web-based respondents who reported reasons for the difficulties in deciding to vaccinate, 37.2% (83/223) reported lack of knowledge or trust due to conflicting information and 23.8% (53/223) reported the perception of the risk of the adverse effects of vaccines being higher than the risk of disease acquisition. Conclusions We successfully recruited a large sample of our target population at low cost and achieved a high survey completion rate using Facebook. When compared with the RDD sampling strategy, we reached more vaccine-hesitant parents and younger parents with younger children—a population more likely to be making decisions on childhood immunizations. Facebook is a promising economical modality for reaching vaccine-hesitant parents for studies on the determinants of vaccine uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Lee Tustin
- School of Occuaptional and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Natasha Sarah Crowcroft
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dionne Gesink
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Johnson
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Admon L, Haefner JK, Kolenic GE, Chang T, Davis MM, Moniz MH. Recruiting Pregnant Patients for Survey Research: A Head to Head Comparison of Social Media-Based Versus Clinic-Based Approaches. J Med Internet Res 2016; 18:e326. [PMID: 28003174 PMCID: PMC5215244 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.6593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recruiting a diverse sample of pregnant women for clinical research is a challenging but crucial task for improving obstetric services and maternal and child health outcomes. Objective To compare the feasibility and cost of recruiting pregnant women for survey research using social media-based and clinic-based approaches. Methods Advertisements were used to recruit pregnant women from the social media website Facebook. In-person methods were used to recruit pregnant women from the outpatient clinic of a large, tertiary care center. In both approaches, potential respondents were invited to participate in a 15-minute Web-based survey. Each recruitment method was monitored for 1 month. Using bivariate statistics, we compared the number, demographic characteristics, and health characteristics of women recruited and the cost per completed survey for each recruitment method. Results The social media-based approach recruited 1178 women and the clinic-based approach recruited 219 women. A higher proportion of subjects recruited through social media identified as African American (29.4%, 207/705 vs 11.2%, 20/179), reported household incomes <US $30,000 per year (56.8%, 409/720 vs 25.8%, 47/182), reported being in early pregnancy (18.6%, 135/726 vs 10.4%, 19/183 first trimester), and rated their health as fair or poor (22.2%, 160/722 vs 8.2%, 15/183; all P<.001). A smaller proportion of subjects recruited through social media had earned a college degree (21.3%, 153/717 vs 62.3%, 114/183) and were married or in a domestic partnership (45.7%, 330/722 vs 72.1%, 132/183; all P<.001). Social media-based recruitment costs were US $14.63 per completed survey, compared with US $23.51 for clinic-based recruitment. Conclusions Web-based recruitment through a social networking platform is a feasible, inexpensive, and rapid means of recruiting a large, diverse sample of pregnant women for survey research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Admon
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation and the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jessica K Haefner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Giselle E Kolenic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Tammy Chang
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Matthew M Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Michelle H Moniz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|