Recruitment and Retention of Latino Adolescents to a Research Study: Lessons Learned from a Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE: To describe facilitators and barriers to participation and retention of Latino adolescents in a randomized clinical trial. DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants were part of a randomized clinical trial designed to reduce HIV sexual risk behavior among Latino youth. Responses from 106 randomly selected respondents from the 3-month follow-up were content analyzed. RESULTS: Four main facilitator patterns emerged: peer/family support, program incentives, commitment, and desire to help. Participation barriers included conflicts with other commitments, embarrassment, and lack of peer support. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Recruitment and retention of Latino adolescents in research studies is critical to building a research base for nursing practice.