Children’s Recruitment and Engagement in Health Research - Challenges and Successful Strategies
1
Mike Petryk School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
2
Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
3
Edmonton Public School, Edmonton, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3660
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Developing effective preventive health strategies for children requires understanding their perspectives through qualitative research, which presents several challenges. This study examined strategies to engage children in qualitative research, implemented as part of an ongoing oral health study with elementary-aged children.
METHODS:
This qualitative descriptive study recruited families through multiple platforms. In-person focus group interviews were conducted with children using multi-modal, mosaic approach. Seven sets of picture cards were initially developed to stimulate discussion. Low engagement with four sets during pilot testing led to adaptation of one set into a digital spinner featuring randomized food images, children moved to either “tooth-friendly” or “tooth-trouble” area explaining their reasoning. Ongoing feedback after each focus group informed the iterative integration of additional engagement tools such as emoji stickers, workbook, and animated videos. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively using manifest content analysis. Researcher memos and observational notes were documented and included in analysis.
RESULTS:
Sixteen children participated in three focus groups. Most were in Grade 5 (63%), attended public schools (94%), and born in Canada (88%). Out-of-school platforms generated greater interest than school-based recruitment, with word-of-mouth (24%) and social media (22%) contributing to participant enrollment. Traditional question-and-answer format was ineffective during focus groups. In contrast, introduction of interactive tools substantially improved participation. Children described sessions as enjoyable, despite their length, and reported learning new concepts. These tools enabled participants to articulate ideas through reflective thinking and nuanced reasoning, while also expressing emotions. Notably, quieter children showed increased independence, providing opinions distinct from those of more vocal peers.
CONCLUSIONS:
Effective recruitment relied on parent networks and targeted social media. Activity-based approaches can reduce formality, enhance children's engagement and independent input, repositioning them as experts. Future studies could consider incorporating these strategies to improve participation and data quality in children’s health research.
Developing effective preventive health strategies for children requires understanding their perspectives through qualitative research, which presents several challenges. This study examined strategies to engage children in qualitative research, implemented as part of an ongoing oral health study with elementary-aged children.
METHODS:
This qualitative descriptive study recruited families through multiple platforms. In-person focus group interviews were conducted with children using multi-modal, mosaic approach. Seven sets of picture cards were initially developed to stimulate discussion. Low engagement with four sets during pilot testing led to adaptation of one set into a digital spinner featuring randomized food images, children moved to either “tooth-friendly” or “tooth-trouble” area explaining their reasoning. Ongoing feedback after each focus group informed the iterative integration of additional engagement tools such as emoji stickers, workbook, and animated videos. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively using manifest content analysis. Researcher memos and observational notes were documented and included in analysis.
RESULTS:
Sixteen children participated in three focus groups. Most were in Grade 5 (63%), attended public schools (94%), and born in Canada (88%). Out-of-school platforms generated greater interest than school-based recruitment, with word-of-mouth (24%) and social media (22%) contributing to participant enrollment. Traditional question-and-answer format was ineffective during focus groups. In contrast, introduction of interactive tools substantially improved participation. Children described sessions as enjoyable, despite their length, and reported learning new concepts. These tools enabled participants to articulate ideas through reflective thinking and nuanced reasoning, while also expressing emotions. Notably, quieter children showed increased independence, providing opinions distinct from those of more vocal peers.
CONCLUSIONS:
Effective recruitment relied on parent networks and targeted social media. Activity-based approaches can reduce formality, enhance children's engagement and independent input, repositioning them as experts. Future studies could consider incorporating these strategies to improve participation and data quality in children’s health research.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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