Abstract
Purpose: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health issue in the United States, particularly affecting inequitable populations such as racial/ethnic minorities, individuals with low socioeconomic status, and those with limited healthcare access. Effective interventions are crucial, but clinical trials frequently overlook these populations, leading to biased outcomes and limited generalizability. This study evaluates recruitment and retention strategies to identify barriers and potential improvements for Including diverse participants.
Design Methods: A cross-sectional analysis, following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted to examine recruitment and retention strategies in AUD clinical trials. Systematic searches in Embase and MEDLINE covered studies published January 1, 2018-December 31, 2023. Eligible studies included U.S. clinical trials evaluating AUD interventions. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, recruitment and retention strategies, and participant diversity. Two reviewers (JB, TH) independently performed screening and extraction, uploading results onto a Google Form. Statistical analysis was performed via Stata 18 SE.
Results: Of 247 records screened, 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. Only 17.6% reported specific recruitment and retention strategies, with most lacking diversity goals or considerations for ethical approval related to recruitment. Retention measures were noted in 47.1% of the studies. Significant correlations were found between the use of recruitment strategies and the discussion of challenges in recruiting diverse populations, highlighting gaps in current practices.
Discussion: This study's strengths were detailed inclusion/exclusion criterion and adherence to PRISMA guidelines. However, a limitation is reduced generalizability due to the inclusion of only English-language studies conducted in the US. Findings highlight shortcomings in recruitment and retention strategies for AUD clinical trials, particularly concerning historically marginalized populations. The lack of comprehensive strategy and reporting undermines the validity and applicability of research findings. When addressing these issues, it is essential to implement more inclusive and culturally sensitive recruitment methods, ensuring representation and improving the relevance of AUD interventions.
Design Methods: A cross-sectional analysis, following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted to examine recruitment and retention strategies in AUD clinical trials. Systematic searches in Embase and MEDLINE covered studies published January 1, 2018-December 31, 2023. Eligible studies included U.S. clinical trials evaluating AUD interventions. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, recruitment and retention strategies, and participant diversity. Two reviewers (JB, TH) independently performed screening and extraction, uploading results onto a Google Form. Statistical analysis was performed via Stata 18 SE.
Results: Of 247 records screened, 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. Only 17.6% reported specific recruitment and retention strategies, with most lacking diversity goals or considerations for ethical approval related to recruitment. Retention measures were noted in 47.1% of the studies. Significant correlations were found between the use of recruitment strategies and the discussion of challenges in recruiting diverse populations, highlighting gaps in current practices.
Discussion: This study's strengths were detailed inclusion/exclusion criterion and adherence to PRISMA guidelines. However, a limitation is reduced generalizability due to the inclusion of only English-language studies conducted in the US. Findings highlight shortcomings in recruitment and retention strategies for AUD clinical trials, particularly concerning historically marginalized populations. The lack of comprehensive strategy and reporting undermines the validity and applicability of research findings. When addressing these issues, it is essential to implement more inclusive and culturally sensitive recruitment methods, ensuring representation and improving the relevance of AUD interventions.
Original language | American English |
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Pages | 14 |
State | Published - 13 Sep 2024 |
Event | 2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health - Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, United States Duration: 13 Sep 2024 → 13 Sep 2024 |
Conference
Conference | 2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health |
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Abbreviated title | STRIDE 2024 |
Country/Territory | United States |
City | Tahlequah |
Period | 13/09/24 → 13/09/24 |
Keywords
- alcohol use disorder
- recruitment strategies
- retention strategies
- clinical trials
- inequitable populations
- diversity
- PRISMA
- systematic review
- public health
- health disparities