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Abstract

Women with inadequate prenatal care were recruited to a multi-component parenting intervention study. Because it was anticipated that this high-risk population might present challenges to retention, a variety of strategies were employed to maintain their participation in the study. This report reviews the results of these retention efforts and compares the population that completed the study versus those that terminated prior to study completion. Two hundred and eighty-six women were randomized to an intervention or control group. Careful tracking of the mothers, offering incentives for completing various study activities and providing a culturally competent staff were among the strategies employed to maintain participation. Comparison was made of those mothers terminating before study completion versus those retained, and of those terminating early in the study period versus later. Despite retention efforts, attrition at a level of 41% occurred. A few characteristics of mothers terminating early from the study were significant including older maternal age, a larger number of children, and incidence of no prenatal care. Despite comprehensive tracking procedures, some mothers were lost to follow up after change of residence. Other reasons for attrition included child outplacement and refusal of services or data collection procedures.

Primary Care Parenting Intervention and Its Effects on the Use of Physical Punishment Among Low-Income Parents of Toddlers

“…For example, in a study examining parent interventions in a sample of low-income mothers, Katz and colleagues noted an attrition rate of 41% by 12 months. 30 This indicates that, although retention is a continuing issue for long-term preventive interventions, the results of the current study are likely valid. Finally, measures of responsive parenting and physical punishment were obtained through parent-report, which may be subject to social desirability bias, given the controversial nature of parental discipline.…”

Populations at Risk Across the Lifespan: Case Studies: Factors Influencing Mothers' Abilities to Engage in a Comprehensive Parenting Intervention Program

“…Home visitation programs designed to enhance parenting can only prove beneficial if families are engaged and actively participating in program interventions (Katz et al, 2001; Peterson, Luze, Eshbaugh, Jeon, & Kantz, 2007; Spieker, Solchany, McKenna, DeKlyen, & Barnard, 2000). In a study of families enrolled in an Early Head Start Program that offered comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income families, researchers found that approximately one third of the mothers were extremely difficult to engage or did not engage in program interventions or activities (Spieker et al, 2000).…”

“…Research suggests that enhanced parenting can mitigate or buffer the adverse effects of poverty on early childhood development (Duncan & Brooks-Gunn, 2000; Olds et al, 2004). Katz et al (2001) had an attrition rate of 41% in a multicomponent parenting intervention even though multiple retention strategies were included. They found that those families that dropped out early from the program were less likely to provide developmentally appropriate home environments for their child.…”

Tackling the challenges in conducting a 5‐year longitudinal study of the Healthy Beginnings Trial

“…These retention strategies are commonly used in other studies. [4][5][6][7] We found the use of an SMS text out service 1 month before a scheduled home visit was useful in identifying changes to participants' details, identifying disconnected mobile phone numbers and allowing alternative methods of contacting participants. With the increasing use of mobile phones in the community, many participants no longer used a landline, and we found them more likely to communicate via text message.…”

“…These retention rates were similar to other studies. [4][5][6][7] A review of the circumstances under which participants dropped out of the trial was conducted and is shown in Table 1. Participants who dropped out of the program tended to be younger mothers on a lower income with a lower level of education.…”