Successful recruitment and retention of participants in longitudinal behavioral research

Longitudinal behavioral research with underserved and HIV-affected populations presents enormous challenges to community researchers. Recruitment and retention of participants into intervention trials is vital for the development of empirically validated treatments and prevention programs. Successful recruitment and retention of participants is highly dependent on an effective structural and motivational system designed to engage and reward individuals at every level of the investigation, including community organizations, project managers, field staff, and participants. This article outlines some of the key elements in developing and maintaining high quality research efforts.