Citation

Stoddart ML, Jarvis B, Blake B, Fabsitz RR, Howard BV, Lee ET, Welty TK. Am. Indian Alsk. Native Ment. Health Res. 2000; 9(3): 20-37.

Affiliation

Center for American Indian Health Research, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 26901, CHB-112, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA. martha-stoddart@ouhsc.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, National Center for American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11279560

Abstract

This paper describes the methods used to recruit American Indian (AI) populations for the Strong Heart Study (SHS), a community-based study of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors in AI men and women. Recruitment strategies included personal contact by recruiters and drivers/recruiters in remote areas, SHS staff participation in community activities, and mass media. A total of 4,549 participants aged 45-74 years were recruited from 13 American Indian tribes and communities. Overall participation rates were 72&percnt, 55&percnt, and 62&percnt, respectively, for the three study centers (Arizona, the Dakotas, and Oklahoma). Participant feedback and educational material related to risk factor reduction and promoting a healthy lifestyle were emphasized. Participants were likely to be female, young, and nonsmokers. Barriers to recruitment included lack of telephones in a large proportion of households, conflicting beliefs about health/health care/research, fears, taboos, and occasional rumors about study examination procedures. Participants were referred for follow-up of health problems detected by the study. The strong commitment of the participating communities helped to insure the success of the SHS, which can be considered a model for recruitment in future American Indian population-based studies. Success was facilitated by the use of a variety of recruitment techniques.

Language: en