Motivation to participate and attrition factors in a COVID-19 biobank: A qualitative study.
J Infect Public Health
; 17(3): 421-429, 2024 Mar.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38262079
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The Biobanque québécoise de la COVID-19 (Quebec Biobank for COVID-19, or BQC19) is a provincial initiative that aims to manage the longitudinal collection, storage, and sharing of biological samples and clinical data related to COVID-19. During the study, BQC19 investigators reported a high loss-to-follow-up rate. The current study aimed to explore motivational and attrition factors from the perspective of BQC19 participants and health care and research professionals.METHODS:
This was an inductive exploratory qualitative study. Using a theoretical sampling approach, a sample of BQC19 participants and professionals were invited to participate via semi-structured interviews. Topics included motivations to participate; participants' fears, doubts, and barriers to participation; and professionals' experiences with biobanking during the COVID-19 pandemic.RESULTS:
Interviews were conducted with BQC19 participants (n = 23) and professionals (n = 17) from 8 clinical data collection sites. Motivations included the contribution to science and society in crisis, self-worth, and interactions with medical professionals. Reasons for attrition included logistical barriers, negative attitudes about public health measures or genomic studies, fear of clinical settings, and a desire to move on from COVID-19. Motivations and barriers seemed to evolve over time and with COVID-19 trends and surges. Certain situations were associated with attrition, such as when patients experienced indirect verbal consent during hospitalization. Barriers related to human and material resources and containment/prevention measures limited the ability of research teams to recruit and retain participants, especially in the ever-evolving context of crisis.CONCLUSION:
The pandemic setting impacted participation and attrition, either by influencing participants' motivations and barriers or by affecting research teams' ability to recruit and retain participants. Longitudinal and/or biobanking studies in a public health crisis setting should consider these factors to limit attrition.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
COVID-19
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article