Motivation to participate and attrition factors in a COVID-19 biobank: A qualitative study

The Biobanque québécoise de la COVID-19 (Quebec Biobank for COVID-19, or BQC19) is a provincial initiative that aims to manage the longitudinal collection, storage, and sharing of biological samples and clinical data related to COVID-19. During the study, BQC19 investigators reported a high loss-to-follow-up rate. The current study aimed to explore motivational and attrition factors from the perspective of BQC19 participants and health care and research professionals.

This was an inductive exploratory qualitative study. Using a theoretical sampling approach, a sample of BQC19 participants and professionals were invited to participate via semi-structured interviews. Topics included motivations to participate; participants' fears, doubts, and barriers to participation; and professionals' experiences with biobanking during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interviews were conducted with BQC19 participants (n = 23) and professionals (n = 17) from 8 clinical data collection sites. Motivations included the contribution to science and society in crisis, self-worth, and interactions with medical professionals. Reasons for attrition included logistical barriers, negative attitudes about public health measures or genomic studies, fear of clinical settings, and a desire to move on from COVID-19. Motivations and barriers seemed to evolve over time and with COVID-19 trends and surges. Certain situations were associated with attrition, such as when patients experienced indirect verbal consent during hospitalization. Barriers related to human and material resources and containment/prevention measures limited the ability of research teams to recruit and retain participants, especially in the ever-evolving context of crisis.

The pandemic setting impacted participation and attrition, either by influencing participants' motivations and barriers or by affecting research teams' ability to recruit and retain participants. Longitudinal and/or biobanking studies in a public health crisis setting should consider these factors to limit attrition.