Challenges and lessons learned in recruiting participants for school-based disease prevention programs during
Yelena P Wu1,2, Elise K Brunsgaard1,2, Nic Siniscalchi1
1Cancer Control and Population Sciences Division, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications
|December 19, 2024
Summary
Disease prevention programs in schools faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adaptations in remote delivery and modified recruitment strategies enabled continued research and programming, even amidst classroom disruptions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Education
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Schools are vital for delivering health education and disease prevention programs to large student populations.
- The COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant challenges to school-based health initiatives through remote and hybrid learning models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide insights and strategies for delivering disease prevention programs in schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
- To share lessons learned from a school-based skin cancer prevention trial conducted during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A cluster-randomized trial of a school-based skin cancer prevention program was initiated in Spring 2020.
- Multilevel evaluation data were collected on remote recruitment strategies and program delivery.
- Strategies and procedures were modified to overcome pandemic-related obstacles.
Main Results:
- The COVID-19 pandemic initially interrupted school-based recruitment for the cancer prevention trial.
- Enrollment improved one year later, with no significant difference observed between rural and urban schools.
- Modified recruitment strategies and trial procedures were successfully implemented.
Conclusions:
- Despite the COVID-19 crisis, school-based disease prevention programming can be successfully conducted.
- Close community partnerships and adaptive approaches are crucial for overcoming disruptions.
- Lessons learned can inform future crisis-response strategies for school health initiatives.
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