Recruitment and retention of African American elders into community-based research: lessons learned

Factors influencing the recruitment and retention of African Americans into research studies are not well understood. Studies show that their numbers continue to be low in clinical trials and other nursing studies. However, African Americans have disproportionately high incidences of disease, illness, and death, an important reason for their inclusion in ongoing research. Two urban, community-based intervention studies with elderly African American participants are used to show different issues and strategies in recruitment and retention. The sample selection and attrition experiences in the studies are examined using 3 theoretical approaches. Six concepts emerge as fundamental to successful recruitment and retention of diverse population groups: (1) historical cognizance; (2) sanctioning; (3) trust-building; (4) mutuality; (5) recognition of heterogeneity; and (6) researcher self-reflection and introspection.