Promoting Retention

• Main Authors: LaToya N. Hall MSW, Lisa J. Ficker PhD, Letha A. Chadiha PhD, Carmen R. Green PhD, James S. Jackson PhD, Peter A. Lichtenberg PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2016-11-01
• Series: Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/2333721416677469

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the capability of a research volunteer registry to retain community-dwelling African American older adults, and to explore demographic and health factors associated with retention. Method: A logistic regression model was used to determine the influence of demographics, health factors, and registry logic model activities on retention in a sample of 1,730 older African American adults. Results: Almost 80% of participants active in the volunteer research registry between January 2012 and June 2015 were retained. Employment, being referred to research studies, a higher number of medical conditions, and more follow-up contacts were associated with an increased likelihood of retention. Older age, more months in the registry, and more mobility problems decreased the likelihood of retention. Discussion: These results suggest the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research logic model promotes retention through involving older African American adults in research through study referrals and intensive follow-up. The loss of participants due to age- and mobility-related issues indicate the registry may be losing its most vulnerable participants.