Race and sex differences in dropout from the STRRIDE trials

Area of Science:

• Exercise Science
• Public Health
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Adherence to exercise and caloric restriction interventions is critical for managing dyslipidemia and prediabetes.
• Understanding dropout patterns is essential for improving intervention effectiveness and participant retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate race and sex disparities in the reasons for and timing of participant dropout from exercise and/or caloric restriction interventions.
• To identify specific determinants contributing to dropout across different demographic groups.

Main Methods:

• 947 adults with dyslipidemia or prediabetes were randomized into various exercise interventions or an inactive control group.
• Dropout reasons were categorized, and dropout timing was analyzed relative to intervention phases (e.g., ramp period).

Main Results:

• Black men and women showed higher dropout rates, citing work, change of mind, transportation, and motivation issues.
• Women, irrespective of race, more frequently reported lack of time as a dropout reason.
• The majority of participants, particularly Black women and White men, dropped out during the initial ramp-up phase of the intervention.

Conclusions:

• Significant race and sex differences exist in the determinants and timing of dropout from lifestyle interventions.
• Implementing tailored retention strategies is vital to mitigate dropout and improve outcomes for diverse populations in exercise programs.