Strategies for Recruitment and Retention of Families from Low-Income, Ethnic Minority Backgrounds in a Longitudinal Study of Caregiver Feeding and Child Weight.
BACKGROUND
Children from low-SES and ethnic minority backgrounds are at heightened risk for overweight, yet are underrepresented in the pediatric obesity literature.


METHODS
The current paper describes strategies employed to minimize barriers to recruitment and retention of African-American families receiving WIC services in a longitudinal study examining caregiver feeding and child weight.


RESULTS
Seventy-six families enrolled in the study over 3.5 years, and 50% of the families completed the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite effortful planning, unanticipated barriers likely contributed to lengthy recruitment and a modest retention rate. Future research should incorporatelessons learnedto modify and develop effective strategies for increasing engagement of low-SES and ethnic minority families in research.
Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.
Erin E
EE
Brannon
Elizabeth S
ES
Kuhl
Richard E
RE
Boles
Brandon S
BS
Aylward
Megan Benoit
MB
Ratcliff
Jessica M
JM
Valenzuela
Susan L
SL
Johnson
Scott W
SW
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