Chunxuan Ma, Rachel H Adler, Daria B Neidre, Ronald C Chen, Laurel L Northouse, Christine Rini, Xianming Tan, Lixin Song
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Family-based randomized controlled trials (RCTs) encounter recruitment and retention challenges. Cancer-focused RCTs typically recruit convenience samples from local cancer centers and hospitals.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the recruitment and retention of a population-based, patient-partner dyad cohort in an RCT testing a dyadic eHealth intervention to improve the quality of life in patients with prostate cancer and their partners.
Methods: In this 2-arm, parallel-group RCT, men who recently completed treatment for localized prostate cancer statewide were recruited through North Carolina Central Cancer Registry rapid case ascertainment between April 2018 and April 2021, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient-partner dyads underwent baseline assessments and were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control groups. Follow-up surveys were conducted at 4, 8, and 12 months after baseline. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to achieve the study's aims.
Results: Of the 3078 patients referred from rapid case ascertainment, 2899 were screened. A total of 357 partners were approached after obtaining the eligible patients' permission, 280 dyads completed baseline assessments and were randomized (dyad enrollment rate: 85.11%, 95% CI 81.3%-88.9%), and 221 dyads completed the 12-month follow-up (retention rate: 78.93%, 95% CI 74.2%-83.7%). Regarding the factors associated with retention, compared with White participants, people self-reporting as "other races" (including American Indian, Asian, and multiracial) were more likely to drop out of the study (odds ratio 2.78, 95% CI 1.10-7.04), and older participants were less likely to withdraw (odds ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.99).
Conclusions: Despite the negative impact of the pandemic, we successfully recruited enough patient-partner dyads to test our RCT hypotheses. Our recruitment and retention rates were equivalent to or higher than those in most dyadic intervention studies. A well-functioning research team and specific strategies (eg, eHealth intervention, internet phone, and online surveys) facilitated the recruitment and retention of patients with prostate cancer and their partners during the unprecedented pandemic.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) is a highly respected publication in the field of health informatics and health services. With a founding date in 1999, JMIR has been a pioneer in the field for over two decades.
As a leader in the industry, the journal focuses on digital health, data science, health informatics, and emerging technologies for health, medicine, and biomedical research. It is recognized as a top publication in these disciplines, ranking in the first quartile (Q1) by Impact Factor.
Notably, JMIR holds the prestigious position of being ranked #1 on Google Scholar within the "Medical Informatics" discipline.