Recruiting for a randomized controlled trial from an ethnically diverse population: lessons from the Maternal Infection and Preterm Labor Study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare recruitment rates for Caucasians and minorities in a randomized, controlled trial based in a family practice residency clinic.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of all patients eligible for the Maternal Infection and Preterm Labor (MIPTL) study.


METHODS
All prenatal patients at 1 clinic site presenting for care at earlier than 34 weeks gestation.


RESULTS
African-American patients were recruited at the same rate as Caucasians (28% of each eligible population). Immigrants and patients requiring a translator were less likely to enroll (P =.014 and.008, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Clinic-based research studies in a family practice residency program can successfully recruit African-American patients. Immigration status and the ability to speak English were important factors impacting participation. More research is needed to understand the role of clinic-based research in recruitment of minorities for clinical trials.
D001741:Black or African American; D044383:Black People; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008910:Minnesota; D008913:Minority Groups; D018579:Patient Selection; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies