Overcoming Recruitment Challenges Among Adolescent Participants Aged 12–17 in Urban Liberia: Lessons from the PREVAIL Lassa Fever Phase 2a Study
1
Social Mobilization, Communication and Community Engagement, PREVAIL, Monrovia, Liberia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa, poses a significant public health threat, especially among children. The PREVAIL Lassa Fever Phase 2a Study assesses the safety and immunogenicity of a Lassa fever vaccine among adults and children in Liberia. Recruiting adolescents (12–17 years) presented challenges due to sociocultural factors such as rumors, fear, and misinformation, compounded by the resumption of school activities during recruitment. To address these issues, the Social Mobilization, Communication, and Community Engagement (SMC) Team conducted listening sessions and community engagement (CE) meetings to build trust, enhance transparency, and enhance adolescent participation.
METHODS:
Prior to the study, four listening sessions were held with key stakeholders in Montserrado County to gather input on adolescent recruitment. Parents expressed concerns about vaccine safety and preferred to observe early participants before consenting. Feedback informed the development of culturally appropriate recruitment materials. Low attendance at one CE meeting prompted further investigation; feedback revealed that sessions held during school hours limited participation, emphasizing the need for flexible meeting time and study visit scheduling for school going children.
RESULTS:
Based on community feedback, CE meetings were rescheduled from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and participant visit schedules at the study site were adjusted for flexibility. School-age participants received early access to the study site, while parents could return alone or after school with the child to collect results. From May 2024 to January 2025, eight additional CE meetings were conducted across six communities, with adolescent attendance increasing from 20 to 54 out of 70 participants. Many adolescents were subsequently referred to the study site with their parents or guardians.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adjusting CE meeting times and maintaining flexible scheduling significantly improved adolescent recruitment and retention. Continuous stakeholder engagement and responsiveness proved essential for successful clinical trial implementation.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa, poses a significant public health threat, especially among children. The PREVAIL Lassa Fever Phase 2a Study assesses the safety and immunogenicity of a Lassa fever vaccine among adults and children in Liberia. Recruiting adolescents (12–17 years) presented challenges due to sociocultural factors such as rumors, fear, and misinformation, compounded by the resumption of school activities during recruitment. To address these issues, the Social Mobilization, Communication, and Community Engagement (SMC) Team conducted listening sessions and community engagement (CE) meetings to build trust, enhance transparency, and enhance adolescent participation.
METHODS:
Prior to the study, four listening sessions were held with key stakeholders in Montserrado County to gather input on adolescent recruitment. Parents expressed concerns about vaccine safety and preferred to observe early participants before consenting. Feedback informed the development of culturally appropriate recruitment materials. Low attendance at one CE meeting prompted further investigation; feedback revealed that sessions held during school hours limited participation, emphasizing the need for flexible meeting time and study visit scheduling for school going children.
RESULTS:
Based on community feedback, CE meetings were rescheduled from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and participant visit schedules at the study site were adjusted for flexibility. School-age participants received early access to the study site, while parents could return alone or after school with the child to collect results. From May 2024 to January 2025, eight additional CE meetings were conducted across six communities, with adolescent attendance increasing from 20 to 54 out of 70 participants. Many adolescents were subsequently referred to the study site with their parents or guardians.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adjusting CE meeting times and maintaining flexible scheduling significantly improved adolescent recruitment and retention. Continuous stakeholder engagement and responsiveness proved essential for successful clinical trial implementation.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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