Cultivating Relationships as a Community-Based Recruitment Strategy in Transdisciplinary Aging Research: Lessons From...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Community-Engaged Research
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Community-engaged research participation among Black American older adults faces significant challenges.
• Effective recruitment strategies are crucial for inclusive health sciences research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe recruitment efforts, successes, and challenges for Black American older adults in community-engaged research.
• To analyze strategies used by the Health and Wellness in Aging Across the Lifespan core at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Main Methods:

• Cross-case analysis of 6 community-engaged research projects.
• Utilized the community-engaged research continuum model.

Main Results:

• Successful recruitment involved multifaceted community collaboration: a wellness program, stakeholder engagement, and a community advisory board.
• Standard strategies like flyers and monetary compensation were also used.
• Relationship building based on trust and respect is vital for addressing aging issues.

Conclusions:

• Trust and respect are foundational for effective community engagement in aging research.
• Multifaceted, collaborative approaches enhance the recruitment of Black American older adults.
• Understanding community dynamics is essential for successful research participation.