(OR11-05-26) Exploring Participant Attrition in a Weight Management Intervention for African Americans.

Objectives: Researchers should investigate the causes of participant attrition, as this can reveal problems with the study’s design, procedures, or participant experience. Understanding why participants drop out, such as time demands, unclear instructions, or lack of engagement, helps researchers identify aspects of the study that may need improvement.

Methods: 499 African Americans enrolled in Weight Matters, a culturally tailored, weight management intervention aimed at reducing risk factors of chronic disease. Participants were randomized into a Tech group (N=249, 89% female, 51.5±13.3 yrs, BMI: 36.6±8.3) that utilized app-based technology to track their fitness, diet, and health data, and a Non-Tech group (N=250, 88% female, 51.9±12.3 yrs, BMI: 36.4±7.7) that used paper-based tracking. The intervention consisted of bi-weekly educational sessions focused on health, fitness, and nutrition over 18 weeks, with scheduled follow-ups post-intervention and 12 months. A focus group discussion was conducted with participants who dropped out of the study.

Results: Of the 499 participants, 193 (38.6%) did not complete the 18-week intervention. Participants who discontinue participation were younger, had fewer years of education, were more likely to be unemployed and single, and had lower income than participants who completed the intervention. There was no difference in attrition rate by sex or between the Tech and Non-Tech groups. The reasons for program withdrawal among focus group participants included employment changes, family circumstances, unexpected scheduling conflicts, and the program required too much commitment. Additionally, perceived social support was identified as a factor influencing participation in the program.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that participant attrition in the Weight Matters program may be influenced largely by social factors, external life demands, and program burden. These observations highlight the importance of considering participant time constraints, life circumstances, and opportunities for social support when designing future interventions to help improve retention.

Funding Sources: Funding provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (DHHS Grant # 1102017000118)