Vanessa Leek

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2005

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Nutrition, Food Science, and Hospitality

Abstract

Objective: To determine the most effective recruitment method for reaching low-income 18-24 year olds, and determine if there is an association between method of recruitment, age and gender with retention in research studies.

Design: This project was part of a larger multi-state study, designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in 18-24 year old young adults of limited income. The purpose was to analyze recruitment methods and characteristics of subjects as reported by project recruiters.

Subjects: One thousand, four hundred and eighty-three low-income (< $ 16,00-0/year) young adults aged 18 to 24 years. Over 2000 young adults were recruited over a one-year period. Participating states were Alabama, New York, Rhode lsland, Nebraska, Wisconsin, lowa, Michigan, Oregon, Maine and Kansas.

Method: Recruiters for larger studied recorded method of contacting (in-person or telephone) prospective participant, and specific location of recruitment. Factors of recruitment examined were the avenue or location of recruitment, communication method (in-person or by phone), gender and age of potential participant recruit

Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed using the chi square goodness of fit test. Results were considered significant at the p<.05 level.

Results: In-person recruitment was a superior method to telephone communication. Age and gender were associated with recruitment. Recruitment of women was significantly superior to that of men. Those 18-20 years of age agreed to participate significantly more often than ages 21-24. Location of recruitment (avenue) was also associated with the number of participants recruited into the study. Educational locations were the best areas to recruit research subjects. No association was found between retention and any of the above factors examined.

Conclusions: Recruitment of research subjects is more successful when subjects are contacted face-to-face rather than called on the telephone. Educational facilities were better areas to recruit subjects for the multi-state study, designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in 18-24 year old young adults of limited income. Women and those 18 years to 20 years of age were more likely to agree to participation in this research study.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Young adults -- Attitudes
Low-income consumers -- Attitudes
Public health -- Research -- Citizen participation
Nutrition -- Research -- Citizen participation

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

42

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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