Longitudinal tracking methods in a study of adult women sexual assault survivors

Standard methods of tracking participants longitudinally are discussed in the context of the experience of one research team studying the impact of sexual assault on victims over time. The researchers considered implementing standard tracking methods used in population-based studies to retain participants over time, but chose to adapt and modify such methods in an effort to build trust and rapport with sexual assault victims recruited from the community. Issues related to methodological decision making and implementation in longitudinal studies are discussed, including effects tracking methods might have on participants and the reality of studying and retaining participants from sensitive populations.