This study investigated the influence of two different recruitment strategies on the reach and effect of a web-based multiple tailored smoking cessation program. From May 2009 until June 2010, Dutch adult smokers were recruited via mass media or general practices. Those who completed the baseline questionnaire were followed up during 6 weeks (two follow-ups). Differences between the two samples were assessed regarding baseline characteristics, retention rates, quit attempts and 24-hour point prevalence abstinence. Smokers recruited via general practices (N = 409) were significantly lower educated, less addicted, more motivated to quit smoking and to maintain non-smoking, more often female and more often suffering from cardiovascular or respiratory diseases than mass media respondents (N = 1154). They showed higher retention rates and were more likely to report a quit attempt (64.3 versus 50.7%) and abstinence (43.3 versus 33.1%). More respondents could be recruited via mass media, while general practices respondents showed higher retention rates and were more successful in quitting smoking, though these effects became non-significant when controlling for experimental condition and baseline differences. The choice for a particular recruitment strategy appeared to determine the number and type of smokers recruited and might consequently influence the intervention's potential public health impact.

Social support played a significant role in enhancing comprehension and recall of consent form information among patients.

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To investigate participation restrictions and satisfaction with participation in partners of patients with stroke. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Five rehabilitation centers and 3 hospitals in The Netherlands. Participants: A consecutive sample of 54 partners of patients with stroke. The patients were participating in a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Participation restrictions as a result of the patient's stroke and satisfaction with participation measured with the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of RehabilitationeParticipation. Results: The number of participation restrictions differed between partners of patients with stroke. The median number of participation restrictions experienced was 2 for the 11 activities assessed. Most participation restrictions were reported regarding paid work, unpaid work, or education, relationship with partner (ie, patient), and going out. Partners were least satisfied regarding going out, sports or other physical exercise, and day trips and other outdoor activities. The participation restrictions and satisfaction with participation were significantly correlated (rZ0.65; P<.001), although this relation between participation restrictions and satisfaction with participation differed for the various activities. Differences between satisfied partners with participation restrictions and dissatisfied partners concerned anxiety (UZ93.0; PZ.026), depression (UZ81.5, PZ.010), and the number of restrictions experienced (UZ50.0; P<.001). Conclusions: There is great variety in restrictions experienced by partners regarding different activities and in their satisfaction with these activities. Specific assessment is therefore important when supporting partners of patients with stroke.