Recruitment challenges in clinical research: Survey of potential participants in a diagnostic study of ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Recruiting participants in clinical research is challenging. Certain groups, such as older adults, rural residents, and individuals with lower socio-economic status, are typically underrepresented. Here, we explore perceived motivators and barriers among potential participants in a diagnostic study of ovarian cancer.

METHODS: Women aged 50 and older who answered a mail survey in Montreal, Canada, were asked to assess their eligibility to participate in the ongoing Diagnosing Ovarian cancer Early (DOvE) Study. If 'eligible', they were asked whether they planned to participate in DOvE. Using modified Poisson regression, we examined responders' self-assessment of eligibility, intention to participate, and reasons for why or why not, as a function of socio-demographic and health indicators.

RESULTS: Of 826 responders, 33.1% misclassified themselves with respect to eligibility. Among 532 self-assessed eligible women, 56.4% planned to participate in the study. The majority of women not planning to participate preferred to be assessed by their physicians (a reason more commonly reported by those with lower education or income) or believed they were not at risk of ovarian cancer (despite having no fewer risk factors). "Inconvenience" was also a commonly reported reason, especially among rural residents. Women who planned to participate often perceived a benefit (e.g. to rule out ovarian cancer, or to receive a quick check-up).

CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment, particularly of underrepresented groups, in clinical studies may be enhanced by involving primary care providers, facilitating access to study sites, and providing clear information about the disease under study (including risk factors) and eligibility criteria.