"What's the fun in That?": Latinx Families' Facilitators and Barriers to Virtual Research Participation.

Abstract

Latinx youth face increased risk for behavioral health concerns and experience obstacles accessing behavioral health services yet remain underrepresented in behavioral health research. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shift toward virtual research methods, but little is known about how virtual methods may affect research participation among Latinx youth and families. This study explored the facilitators and barriers to virtual research participation among Latinx families living in low-socioeconomic status (SES) contexts. Seven parents and six adolescents participated in qualitative interviews. The interviews were analyzed to identify codes, categories, and broader themes. Findings identified several facilitators to virtual research participation, including having a clear virtual protocol, using video to simulate in-person interactions, and participants' perceptions of virtual research as safe and convenient. Barriers to virtual participation included limited technology literacy and access, online safety concerns, and technical difficulties. To promote virtual research engagement for Latinx families living in low-SES contexts, researchers should ensure accessibility and security of virtual platforms, emphasize online safety procedures, and attend to participants' access and preferences when developing virtual protocols. Future studies should assess the effectiveness of implementing specific strategies to enhance Latinx participation in virtual behavioral health research.