Lindsay et at_2020_essons-learned-from-recruiting-latino-fathers in health research-1

Introduction to the Research

• Latinos are the largest minority group in the United States, constituting a substantial portion of the child population. Currently, Latino children make up one-fourth of U.S. children under 18 and are projected to reach nearly a third by 2050.

• Family, especially fatherhood, is pivotal in Latino culture, with fathers significantly influencing their children's health decisions. Despite their importance, Latino fathers are notably underrepresented in child health research. A study was conducted to explore effective strategies to recruit Latino fathers into health studies.

Recruitment Methodology

Overview of the Study

• This research spanned five studies conducted between 2016 and 2020, which focused on various aspects of child health, particularly concerning early childhood behaviors and childhood vaccination uptake.

• The methodologies were categorized into:

  • Direct Recruitment Strategies: Involving direct interaction between research staff and potential participants through community engagement.

  • Indirect Recruitment Strategies: Lacking direct contact, these methods include social media outreach and the distribution of flyers.

Findings on Recruitment Strategies

• A total of 113 Latino fathers participated, predominantly low-income immigrants.

• Direct recruitment methods, particularly through personal outreach and snowball sampling techniques, were most successful, accounting for about 96% of participants (107 fathers). In contrast, indirect methods were substantially less effective, contributing only 3.6% to total recruitment.

• Notably, no participants were recruited through printed materials.

• Feedback indicated a strong preference for culturally and linguistically tailored approaches that resonate with the Latino community's values and norms.

Qualitative Insights and Adaptations

• The qualitative analysis underscored the significance of cultural relevance in recruitment strategies. Establishing trust (confianza) and prioritizing personal interaction were vital.

• Successful recruitment involved aligning data collection methods and outreach efforts with cultural expectations and familial roles.

Participant Demographics

• The majority of participants were foreign-born, with an average age of 38.4 years. Most fathers were married, had low educational attainment, and reported an annual household income under $40,000. The predominant language was Spanish, and many reported low acculturation.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

• The study suggests that direct, community-based recruitment at familiar sites (e.g., work, sports events, community gatherings) leads to higher participation rates.

• Employing male research staff was beneficial for engaging fathers and addressing traditional gender roles.

• Future research should assess Latino fathers' preferences for participation and consider using respondent-driven sampling to enhance representation.

Conclusion

• Engaging low-income immigrant Latino fathers in child health research requires effective, culturally sensitive recruitment strategies. The study emphasizes the necessity of directly inviting fathers to participate, and the influence of familial and cultural contexts in shaping health behaviors.