Review of Retention Methods in Cohort Studies
Author Information
Author(s): Booker Cara L, Harding Seeromanie, Benzeval Michaela
Primary Institution: MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Glasgow, UK
Hypothesis
What are the effective retention strategies to increase participation in population-based cohort studies?
Conclusion
Incentives boosted retention rates in prospective cohort studies, while other methods showed some beneficial effects.
Supporting Evidence
- Incentives were associated with an increase in retention rates.
- Reminder letters increased retention rates by an average of 12%.
- Face-to-face interviews increased retention rates by 24%.
Takeaway
This study looked at ways to keep people involved in long-term health studies. Giving rewards helped more people stay in the study.
Methodology
Systematic review of literature on retention strategies in population-based cohort studies.
Potential Biases
Selective attrition may limit the generalizability of findings.
Limitations
The majority of studies were conducted in the USA, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
More than half of the studies were conducted with adult cohorts, primarily in the USA.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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