Nyambura M., Otieno F., Ndivo R., Williamson J., Pals S., Mills L.A., Gust D.A., Participant Retention in a HIV Prevention Cohort Study in Kisumu, Kenya, Journal of Clinical Research In HIV AIDS And Prevention, Volume 1, Issue 4, 2014, Pages 13-21, ISSN 2324-7339, https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-187.
(https://oap-researcharticles.org/jcrhap/article/77)
Abstract: Retention of sufficient numbers of participants in longitudinal research studies is a serious methodological concern, as retention influences the validity of the research findings. An assessment of participant retention or attending all study visits was made quarterly during a 12 month follow-up of an HIV incident cohort in Kisumu, Kenya. The study objectives were to determine 1) the proportion of participants attending all study visits and 2) demographic and behavioral factors associated with missing ≥ 1 visit. The Kisumu Incidence Cohort Study (KICoS) was initiated in January 2007 (N=831). Detailed contact information was collected from each participant to enhance retention. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to determine factors associated with missing ≥ 1 visit. Overall retention was 90%. Of those enrolled, 46.4% were females. The adjusted odds of missing ≥ 1 study visit were greater for participants who were female (AOR=2.85; CI=1.90-4.28) and who had technical training (AOR=2.51; CI=1.20-5.25) or college/university education (AOR=1.89; CI=1.10-3.24) compared to having no or only primary education. Retention was high in this HIV prevention cohort study. However, studies could benefit by tailoring retention strategies for women. Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of their respective institutions.
Keywords: cohort studies; retention; HIV; females