Background
Previous studies have shown that stigma is a major barrier to participation in psychiatric research, and that individuals who participate in psychiatric research may differ clinically from non-participants. However, no previous study has explored research recruitment and retention challenges in the context of personality disorders.
Aim
To provide an analysis of the factors affecting participant recruitment and retention in a study of borderline personality disorder.
Methods
Adult inpatients in a tertiary psychiatric hospital were approached about participating in a cross-sectional study of borderline personality disorder. Recruitment rates, retention rates, and reasons for declining participation or withdrawing from the study were collected. Demographic characteristics were compared between participants and non-participants, and between patients who remained in the study and those who withdrew.
Results
A total of 70 participants were recruited into the study between January 2018 and February 2020. Recruitment and retention rates were 46% and 70%, respectively. Lack of interest was the most commonly cited reason for non-participation, followed by scheduling conflicts and concerns regarding mental/physical well-being. Age and sex were not predictors of study participation or retention.
Conclusions
More research is needed to explore patients’ perspectives and attitudes towards borderline personality disorder diagnosis and research; determine effects of different recruitment strategies; and identify clinical predictors of recruitment and retention in personality disorder research.
Trial registration:
The study was not registered as it did not involve the provision of a health care intervention to human participants.