Factors associated with attrition of African Americans during the recruitment phase of a clinical trial examining adherence among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To examine factors contributing to the loss of potential minority participants in a study of medication adherence among rheumatoid arthritis patients.


METHODS
Chi-square statistics were used to test for differences in refusal/ineligibility by race and site at 4 screening points (initial eligibility review, initial patient contact, adherence screening, and informed consent). Differences in criteria-specific risks for exclusion at initial eligibility review were examined across 4 sites by race. Odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were estimated if differences were significant. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine sociodemographic factors associated with the probability for ineligibility at the initial eligibility review. Stated reasons for refusal were qualitatively quantified.


RESULTS
A greater percentage of African Americans were lost at every screening point when compared with whites, but only the difference at the initial eligibility review was statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Factors associated with attrition included selection of area medical sites, research design issues, comorbid conditions, alcohol abuse, and being younger, unmarried, African American, and male.
Dunbar-Jacob
Jacqueline
J
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pennsylvania 15261, USA. dunbar@pitt.edu
Holmes
Janice L
JL
Sereika
Susan
S
Kwoh
C Kent
CK
Burke
Lora E
LE
Starz
Terence W
TW
McCall
Maura
M
Foley
Susan M
SM
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010560:Personnel Selection; D012744:Sex Ratio; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents