       Document 0244
 DOCN  M95B0244
 TI    The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study: retention after 9 1/2 years.
 DT    9511
 AU    Dudley J; Jin S; Hoover D; Metz S; Thackeray R; Chmiel J; Department of
       Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University; of California, Los
       Angeles 90024, USA.
 SO    Am J Epidemiol. 1995 Aug 1;142(3):323-30. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/95358151
 AB    In a longitudinal, multicenter study of 4,954 men at risk for human
       immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome,
       data from the first 9.5 years of follow-up (April 1984 through September
       1993) were used to determine differences between those who remained in
       the study and those who dropped out. Demographic variables (age, race,
       education, employment, and study center), health status (human
       immunodeficiency virus type 1 serostatus and depression), and behavioral
       characteristics (alcohol drinking, drug use, and anal-receptive
       intercourse) were analyzed. Strategies for promoting retention included
       having frequent contact with participants, generating trust, keeping
       participants well-informed, utilizing multiple resources for follow-up,
       and providing flexible methods of participation. After 9.5 years of
       follow-up, vital status was known for 4,385 (88.5%) of the participants.
       Results from multiple logistic regression showed that race, age,
       education, and smoking were each significantly associated with
       nonparticipation (p < 0.001). A high level of retention was maintained
       in this well-educated and highly motivated cohort of homosexual/bisexual
       men. Extensive follow-up methods may improve case-finding. Nonwhite
       race, younger age, less education, and smoking were important predictors
       of dropping out. These findings identify specific groups for targeting
       follow-up efforts to reduce potential bias due to dropout.
 DE    *Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome  Adult  Age Factors  *Cohort Studies
       Comparative Study  Educational Status  Epidemiologic Methods  Human
       Logistic Models  Longitudinal Studies  Male  *Patient Dropouts  Racial
       Stocks  Sex Behavior  Smoking  Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.  United
       States  JOURNAL ARTICLE  MULTICENTER STUDY

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

