Presentation: From Uterus to University: Recruitment and Retention of a Primary Prevention Birth Cohort (WAO International Scientific Conference 2012)

Sunday, 9 December 2012

Hall 4 (HICC)

Brenda Gerwing , Pediatrics and Child Health, Section of Allergy, University of Manitoba, Canada

Rishma Chooniedass , Pediatrics and Child Health/ Section of Allergy, University of Manitoba, Canada

Saiful Huq , Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Hao Huang , University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Anita Kozyrskyj , Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Edmond Chan , Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Clare Ramsey , Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Moira Chan-Yeung , Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Allan Becker , Pediatrics and Child Health/Section of Allergy, University of Manitoba, Canada

Background: It is important to identify predictors of retention in primary prevention studies as recruitment and retention are critical factors for a successful intervention study.

Methods: In 1994, the Canadian Asthma Primary Prevention Study (CAPPS) was established. This high-risk birth cohort has 2 sites, Winnipeg and Vancouver, Canada. Expectant mothers were recruited during the third trimester. Enrollment criteria were a first degree relative with asthma or two first degree relatives with other allergic diseases. Participants were prenatally randomized into control and intervention groups. Intervention measures were introduced before birth and during baby’s first year of life. Follow-up assessments by a Pediatric Allergist included skin prick testing (SPT) to common food and inhalants and pulmonary function testing.

Results: 545 participants initially recruited. 266 randomized into control and 279 intervention. From recruitment to first year, 9.5% families (52) discontinued. At age 1, 493 infants were assessed; 52.3% males and 47.7% females, 49.1% control and 50.9% intervention. 76.8% high SES, 22.52% low SES. 9.7% maternal age ≤25 and 90.3% maternal age >25. 17.6 % were diagnosed with asthma at 1 year. 22.1% with +SPT to food. 44.2% were 1^stborn. Children were assessed at 2 (n=472, 95.7%) and 7 years (n=380, 77.1%). At 15 years, 326 (66.1%) participants returned; 55.8% males and 44.2% females (p=0.02), 44.5% control and 54.6% intervention (p=0.054). Maternal age >25 (OR=1.73, 95% CI 0.95-3.16, p=0.05), asthma diagnosis (OR=1.53, 95% CI 0.91-2.57, p=0.066), high SES (OR=1.37, 95% CI 0.88-2.11, p=0.1) and +SPT (OR=1.23, 95% CI 0.78-1.95, p=0.22) were all associated with higher rates of return. While 138 participants returned with no sibling(s) at enrollment (OR=0.81, 95% CI 0.56-1.18, p=0.16).

Conclusions: Participants with sibling(s) at birth had no significant difference in retention. Maternal age was the most likely predictor of participant drop out. Female participants, low SES, negative skin prick test to food and no asthma diagnosis at age 1 showed a trend towards drop out. When establishing future asthma and allergy cohorts, specific retention strategies should be considered for groups identified at risk for drop out, especially for younger mothers and female participants.

3048 From Uterus to University: Recruitment and Retention of a Primary Prevention Birth Cohort