Lessons Learned: Methods Used to Recruit Rural Latinos for a Health Awareness Study

Abstract

The growth of the nation’s Latino population in rural areas may provide challenges for investigators seeking to recruit a diverse participant pool for use in survey and focus group research. This paper presents a case study that describes the successful recruitment of rural Latinos as part of a multidisciplinary health awareness project that targeted adolescent Latinos, ages 11-15, and at least one parent or guardian. Logistical considerations when organizing a series of surveys and focus groups in rural areas are presented. Lessons learned from working with participants in the study are also included, such as providing child care services, addressing literacy issues during the consent form process, and strategies for working with local faith-based organizations for improved participant recruitment success.