Recruiting Research Participants with Community Research Partners

Document Type

Fact Sheet

Publisher

RTC:Rural

Publication Date

9-2026

Disciplines

Demography, Population, and Ecology | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sociology

Abstract

This fact sheet examines recruitment experiences from the Rural Health Pathways Project, a community-based research initiative partnering with Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to deliver health promotion programming for people with disabilities in rural communities. Through interviews with staff from seven participating CILs, the project identified key factors that influenced recruitment success and challenges. Findings highlighted the importance of trusted relationships, team-based planning, clear communication about participant benefits, and individualized enrollment support. Common barriers included scheduling uncertainty related to study design, technology navigation difficulties, time commitments, language barriers, and concerns about sharing personal information. These insights demonstrate the critical role of community research partners in participant recruitment and offer practical strategies for strengthening recruitment efforts in future community-based research.

Keywords

rural, disability, independent living, centers for independent living, disability training, community-based recruitment, community-based participatory research

Rights

© 2026 RTC: Rural

Granting Agency

(National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR))

Acknowledgement

This publication was developed with funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90RTCP0007). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Project Number

90RTCP0007

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