Examining Recruitment and Retention Strategies in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Trials: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: To ensure equitable and successful treatment outcomes for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), the recruitment and retention of diverse participants in clinical trials is critical. However, current approaches may neglect under-represented populations, potentially limiting the result application. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate existing recruitment and retention strategies in HS trials, identifying gaps and proposing methods to improve inclusivity and participant retention. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 36 HS clinical trials from January 2018 to December 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. Trial characteristics and specific recruitment/retention approaches were assessed through data extraction and Stata 18 SE statistical analysis. Results: Of the 36 trials, 18/36 (50.0%) reported use of specific retention strategies, while 1/36 (2.8%) of the trials documented recruitment strategies for under-represented groups. Diversity goals were also unreported in recruitment processes. Most trials (63.9%) received industry funding, and therapeutic intervention was the most common treatment type (97.2%). Limitations: Only articles from 2018 to 2023 were analyzed, limiting the finding generalizability over broader timeframes. Conclusion: This study reveals significant gaps in recruitment/retention strategies within HS trials, which is important for enhancing result relevance and inclusivity, particularly among historically marginalized populations. Implementing specific approaches and innovative methods is critical for improving HS treatment efficacy and reducing health inequities.