Abstract

Recruitment is fundamental to project success and the production of clinically and statistically meaningful results. However, researchers have been challenged to recruit adequate numbers of participants for supportive interventions for cancer survivors (Buss et al., 2008). The purpose of this dissertation was to use social marketing theory as a framework to better understand recruitment for a web-based psychosocial intervention for cancer survivors. The study sample included cancer survivors from the Loma Linda University cancer registry or reached via population-level recruitment efforts (e.g., web and print advertisements). Of the 384 eligible potential participants, 197 fully enrolled in the intervention. Among potential participants, greater distress was associated with younger age, being female and lower SEER score, and study enrollment was higher among individuals with greater distress. Additionally, further progression through the recruitment process (i.e., full study enrollment versus just registration) was associated with higher income, being male, non-Hispanic White ethnicity, and a high level of distress. Consistent with previous research, perceived barriers/costs of enrollment were identified among individuals who declined participation, including personal reasons and health factors. With regard to effectiveness, generalized population-level strategies (e.g., web and print advertisements) were more effective and less resource intensive overall, but did not yield a representative sample. The results of this study may serve to guide selection of appropriate strategies in recruitment and intervention design in future cancer research. This study also demonstrates the feasibility of using social marketing theory as a framework within which to evaluate existing recruitment and intervention data.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Science and Technology

First Advisor

Owen, Jason E.

Second Advisor

Arechiga, Adam

Third Advisor

Bantum, Erin O'Carroll

Fourth Advisor

Vermeersch, David

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

January 2012

Date (Title Page)

8-1-2012

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Social Marketing; Cancer - Research; Neoplasms - Research; Patient Participation; Survivors - Psychology; Psychotherapy, Group;

Subject - Local

Cancer Survivors; Psychosocial therapy

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

204 p.

Digital Format

Application/PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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