Recruitment and Retention of Racially Minoritized Families in a Pediatric Behavioral Diabetes Research Study

Racially minoritized youth are disproportionately affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D)-related inequities yet remain underrepresented in pediatric behavioral research. This study examined recruitment and retention strategies used in a pilot intervention to increase equitable participation. The Research on Optimizing the Use of Technology with Education for T1D was a telehealth behavioral intervention for youth aged 10-15 years with T1D and their caregivers. This study aimed to recruit a sample comprised of at least 50% youth from racially minoritized backgrounds. Recruitment outcomes, contact attempts, enrollment rates, retention, and engagement metrics were tracked and examined. Of 323 families contacted, 60 were enrolled and randomized (19.8% overall recruitment rate; 78% enrollment among eligible families). Recruitment required an average of 4.6 contact attempts and approximately one month between initial contact and enrollment. Six-month caregiver and youth survey completion was 84.7%, and 12-month completion was 78%. Overall, 75% attended at least one intervention session and 60% completed all three sessions. 80% engaged with the caregiver coach component. Findings demonstrate that recruitment and retention of racially minoritized families in pediatric behavioral diabetes research is feasible when intentional, flexible, and culturally responsive strategies are implemented. Transparent reporting of recruitment processes may inform future efforts to improve equitable research participation.