Research Recruitment: A Case Study on Women with Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

Women with substance use disorder may evade research participation because of individual and societal factors. Limited information exists on recruitment of women with substance use disorder. The purpose of this study was to delineate recruitment challenges among women with substance use disorder and identify successful recruitment strategies. An exploratory case study was used to examine recruitment of women with substance use disorder. This case study was informed by a pilot study in 2017-2018, where data were generated from 25 direct observations and three key informants from a drug rehabilitation treatment agency. Analysis took an explanation-building approach, which incorporated chronological field notes from direct observations, memos from key informant conversations, and the extant literature to revise our initial proposition. Macro-level contextual factors influencing recruitment were: (a) establishment of a triage system, (b) reactivation of agency ethics committee, (c) scheduled accreditation site visits, (d) varied guidelines, and (e) required treatment regimen. Recruitment may benefit from multiple sites, staff training in protocol, increased researcher presence, and the opportunity for women’s voices to be heard. This study advances knowledge of macro-level challenges faced during recruitment of women with substance use disorder in southeast USA. Indirect and direct recruitment, when combined, could maximize participation.

Addressing stigma within the dissemination of research products to improve quality of care for pregnant and parenting people affected by substance use disorder

“…Enacted stigma at every phase of research can create barriers to participation and preclude many people with SUD from feeling able or being able to participate in studies, ultimately limiting the generalizability of research findings. Additional work is needed to address participation barriers not discussed extensively here, including physical resource limitations [e.g., unstable housing, limited access to transportation, or lack of childcare; ( 111 )], as well as related barriers, such as generalized mistrust of researchers, fear of legal repercussions, or duration and magnitude of the study ( 142 ).…”

“Unless they bring it up, I won't go digging”: Psychiatric nurses' experiences of developing therapeutic relationships with adult survivors of child sexual abuse

“…Credibility was established by the lead researcher/interviewer expressing compassion and empathy during interviews, as recommended by Bradshaw et al ( 2017 ). Furthermore, the researcher who conducted the interviews was familiar with four of the six participants; such familiarity has been highlighted as a way to promote rapport during the research process (Bamidele et al, 2019 ; Cook & Larson, 2021 ; Naylor & Nyanjom, 2021 ), strengthening the credibility of the study. An audit trail was maintained throughout the research process, to enhance confirmability and dependability.…”