Recruitment and retention of urban schoolchildren into a randomized double-blind vitamin D supplementation trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While rarely used for supplementation trials in the United States, schools present a practical alternative to a clinical setting.

Purpose

We describe the successful recruitment and retention of urban schoolchildren into a 6-month randomized, double-blind vitamin D3 supplementation trial.

Methods

Boston-area urban schoolchildren, aged 8-15 years, were recruited in 2011-2012 through classroom and auditorium presentations. Informed consent forms in five languages were sent home to parents. Retention methods included regular telephone calls and gift cards for completed study visits.

Results

In total, 691 schoolchildren enrolled. Their mean (standard deviation) age was 11.7 (1.4) years; 59% were racial/ethnic minorities and 68% qualified for free or reduc

SUBMITTER: Sacheck JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4344912 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature