Community Perspectives on Factors That Improve Young Men's Participation in Rural Research

To explore factors influencing young men's participation in rural health research, focusing on recruitment challenges and potential motivators for men ages 25-44 in the Mississippi Core of the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Study.

Qualitative study utilizing thematic analysis of focus group interviews.

Two Mississippi counties participating in the RURAL Study, which targets rural populations in Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, and Louisiana (Oktibbeha and Panola counties).

Thirty-two participants (ages 20-70) recruited from health fairs in Oktibbeha (n=17) and Panola (n=15) counties: 20 African American women, 5 White women, 6 African American men, and 1 White man.

Data from 8 focus groups were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify themes and subthemes regarding facilitators and barriers to young men's research participation.

Primary themes identified as key to enhancing recruitment included concerns about harm, benefits of participation, community engagement, and social motivators.

Four main themes were identified: (1) addressing perceived concerns, including reassurance of no harm; (2) benefits of participation, emphasizing altruism and health baselines; (3) community engagement, for investigators to maintain visibility and meet participants where they gather; and (4) social motivators, such as influence from family, friends, and admired figures.

Young men's engagement in rural health research can be improved by addressing safety concerns, emphasizing personal and community health benefits, offering meaningful incentives, and leveraging social influences. These findings are applicable to recruitment strategies in rural areas and may guide future rural health studies by improving male participation rates.