Boosting Male Participation in Research: Exploring Motivation, Engagement, and Retention Efforts

INTRODUCTION: Males are persistently underrepresented in longitudinal health research, yet effective strategies to improve their recruitment and retention remain limited. This study examined motivational factors, engagement strategies, and retention approaches among males in the context of the Connect for Cancer Prevention Study (Connect), a large National Cancer Institute-sponsored longitudinal observational study. METHODS: The authors conducted a qualitative study using individual and group interviews with 2 cohorts of Kaiser Permanente Northwest male members: enrolled Connect participants (n = 22) and Connect-eligible members who had not enrolled (n = 13). Interviews explored motivations for participation, barriers to engagement, and retention strategies. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo software. RESULTS: Distinct motivational profiles emerged across cohorts. Enrolled participants were primarily driven by altruism, family cancer history, and civic responsibility, while Connect-eligible participants approached participation transactionally, prioritizing financial incentives, convenience, and minimal disruption to daily routines. Across both groups, key facilitators included institutional trust, practitioner endorsement, and low-burden participation mechanisms. Retention was linked to consistent communication, visible study progress, and a sense of community. DISCUSSION: Recruitment and retention require distinct but complementary strategies. Initial enrollment is best supported by addressing practical barriers and communicating tangible benefits, while long-term retention depends on fostering connection and demonstrating impact. These findings offer actionable, gender-sensitive guidance for improving participation among males in longitudinal health research. CONCLUSION: Gender-sensitive, equity-informed approaches are essential for engaging males, particularly those from underrepresented groups, in longitudinal research. Strategies addressing masculinity norms, socioeconomic context, and institutional trust will strengthen the diversity and generalizability of observational study findings.