Implementing research in elementary schools in a Hispanic, rural, community

Implementing research in elementary schools in a Hispanic, rural community

• Purposes/Aims: Discuss the challenges/solutions of implementing research in an elementary school setting; translating consent forms in to another language; and the use of incentives with a population of vulnerable children.

• Rationale/Conceptual Basis/Background: Recruitment strategies play a large part in determining the success of any research project. Several research studies discuss the  importance of specific strategies when conducting research in school settings including: planned community engagement; the use incentives, particularly with vulnerable populations; and issues of consent and assent with children (Geller, et al., 2007; Ross, et al., 1999; Sexton, et al., 2003)

 

• Methods: A total of 424 children, 70% Hispanic, from a rural community in New Mexico, aged 8 to 11 years and in grades 3 through 5 participated in this study. Strategies to conduct the research in the school settings included community engagement at the following levels: initial contact with the school nurses; meetings with appropriate school personnel; and approaches to discussing the research with parents (primarily Hispanic). Careful consideration was given to the use of incentives in a population where the majority of children enrolled in the elementary schools qualified for free lunches.

 

• Results: The participation rate for this study where recruitment was conducted in a limited time period (2 months) was 42% (n =424). Grade level, gender, and race/ethnicity were not found to be significantly associated with study participation.

 

 

• Implications: Early involvement of school and community personnel is crucial. Challenges in rural settings include the added expense and time involved in travel. Spanish-speaking populations need study materials in Spanish. Study personnel who speak Spanish are an asset. Careful consideration needs to be given regarding the approrpriateness of incentives, particularly with vulnerable populations, in order to avoid incentives which could be considered coercive.