Participant Retention in A HIV Prevention Cohort Study in Kisumu, Kenya - Participant Retention in A HIV Prevention Cohort Study in Kisumu, Kenya - Open Access Pub

Retention of sufficient numbers of participants in longitudinal research studies is a serious methodological concern, as retention influences the validity of the research findings. An assessment of participant retention or attending all study visits was made quarterly during a 12 month follow-up of an HIV incident cohort in Kisumu, Kenya. The study objectives were to determine 1) the proportion of participants attending all study visits and 2) demographic and behavioral factors associated with missing ≥ 1 visit. The Kisumu Incidence Cohort Study (KICoS) was initiated in January 2007 (N=831). Detailed contact information was collected from each participant to enhance retention. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to determine factors associated with missing ≥ 1 visit. Overall retention was 90%. Of those enrolled, 46.4% were females. The adjusted odds of missing ≥ 1 study visit were greater for participants who were female (AOR=2.85; CI=1.90-4.28) and who had technical training (AOR=2.51; CI=1.20-5.25) or college/university education (AOR=1.89; CI=1.10-3.24) compared to having no or only primary education. Retention was high in this HIV prevention cohort study. However, studies could benefit by tailoring retention strategies for women. Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of their respective institutions. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of their respective institutions. DOI10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-187 The inability to retain enrolled participants poses serious threats to both the internal and the external validity of a research study. Retention may be related to different factors depending upon the population, e.g. young age and longer trial duration 1, self-identifying as homosexual and having been a male sex worker in the past 6 months 2, and male sex, age <35 years, advanced HIV/AIDS disease and increasing malnutrition 3. As the HIV epidemic is focused in sub-Saharan Africa, antiretroviral programs as well as clinical trials necessitate a close examination of retention in African populations 3. Understanding factors associated with retention can help in informing future screening processes and plans for retention strategies. The Kisumu Incidence Cohort Study (KICoS) was initiated in January 2007 to prepare the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site in Kisumu for participation in future efficacy trials of