Avoiding early study attrition in adolescent girls: impact of recruitment contextual factors

This descriptive study examined factors associated with adolescent girls continuing in a randomized controlled trial of an HIV-prevention intervention after enrollment based on an analysis of locator form and demographic data. When the authors piloted the study, 48% (62 of 129) of the participants (aged 15-19 years) continued in the intervention after enrollment. Once a formal recruitment and retention protocol was initiated, 80% (264 of 334 girls 15-19 years old) returned after enrollment. Chi-square analyses found statistically significant differences (p < .001 to .05) between the girls who continued (n = 264) and those who did not (n = 68), associated with recruiter's experience, recruitment method, contact status, and parental awareness of study participation. Living situation was not relevant, nor was being able to receive email or cell phone messages. These findings suggest factors to consider when developing and implementing recruitment protocols to enhance retention in clinical trials involving adolescent girls.