Recruitment and retention into longitudinal health research from an adolescent perspective: a qualitative study

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Abstract Background: High quality longitudinal studies investigating changes in health behaviours over the transition into early adulthood are critical. However, recruiting and retaining adolescents is challenging. This study explored adolescents’ perspectives of sign up and continued involvement in research. Methods: Forty-eight individuals (15-20y) participated in nine focus groups. Thematic analysis resulted in seven themes. Results: Driving factors for sign-up included social connection e.g., joining with peer groups, personalised feedback, and incentives, primarily financial. Key barriers were lack of interest, the perception of commitment, and timing of recruitment. Young people preferred recruitment processes via social media with messages tailored to their motivations, monthly data collection of maximally 20-30min and hybrid data collection with some in-person contact with a consistent, non-judgemental researcher. The provision of autonomy and choice, and financial incentives, were perceived to promote retention. Conclusions: Adolescent recruitment and retention strategies need to align with contemporary interests and motivations. Studies should involve adolescents to develop a planned, systematic approach to participant sign-up and follow-up. Effective and ineffective recruitment and retention strategies should be reported as part of study findings. Future research should trial how perceived barriers to study engagement can be overcome. Trial registration: Not required