Skip to main content

Methodological Considerations in a Community-Based Longitudinal Study

Buy Article:

$39.00 + tax (Refund Policy)

Objectives : To describe methodological issues and strategies relevant to conducting a community-based longitudinal study.

Methods : Study participants (N=1117 youth/parent pairs) residing in neighborhoods that were randomly selected using a multistage sampling procedure and 2000 census data. Data were collected annually using in-home, inperson, computer-assisted interviewing methods. Numerous retention methods were used to track and retain participants.

Results : The initial response rate was 61. The retention rate is 97, and the valid interview completion rate is 93 after nearly 4 waves of data collection.

Conclusions : In order for community-based longitudinal studies to overcome barriers to enrollment and retention, particular attention must be given to appropriate planning and available resources.

Keywords: community-based longitudinal study; retention; sampling

Document Type: Research Article

Affiliations: 1 Professor, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK.

Publication date: 01 January 2009

More about this publication?
  • The American Journal of Health Behavior seeks to improve the quality of life through multidisciplinary health efforts in fostering a better understanding of the multidimensional nature of both individuals and social systems as they relate to health behaviors.

    The Journal aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of personal attributes, personality characteristics, behavior patterns, social structure, and processes on health maintenance, health restoration, and health improvement; to disseminate knowledge of holistic, multidisciplinary approaches to designing and implementing effective health programs; and to showcase health behavior analysis skills that have been proven to affect health improvement and recovery.

  • Editorial Board
  • Information for Authors
  • Submit a Paper
  • Subscribe to this Title
  • Review Board
  • Reprints and Permissions
  • Ingenta Connect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites
  • Access Key
  • Free content
  • Partial Free content
  • New content
  • Open access content
  • Partial Open access content
  • Subscribed content
  • Partial Subscribed content
  • Free trial content