Cultural Connections: the Key to Retention of Black, Latina, and Arab Women in the Kin Keeper^SM Cancer Prevention Intervention Studies

Diverse racial and ethnic populations must be included in research studies in order to address health disparities. Retaining hard-to-reach populations including poor, underserved, and racial/ethnic groups in longitudinal studies can be quite difficult. Using innovative retention strategies that address culture and community are imperative. The objective of this report is to identify and describe strategies for successful retention rates among a unique group of hard-to-reach racial/ethnic participants. We analyzed the follow-up rates in two different cohorts using the Kin Keeper^SM study design. The aim of Study A was to examine the capability of the Kin Keeper^SM education to increase health literacy in breast and cervical cancer. The primary aim of Study B was to measure changes in breast and cervical cancer screening after receiving the Kin Keeper^SM education. Retention rates were analyzed and compared over 12 months for both cohorts. We found good retention rates for both cohorts with each having a unique set of differences. The overall follow-up rate was 82 % for Study A and 88 % for Study B with demographic differences between the studies reported herein. Despite changing cultural, community, and geopolitical factors, we were able to maintain consistent participation for each study. We attribute high retention rates to trusted cultural connections and the flexibility to adjust retention strategies.