Recruitment challenges and enrollment observations from a community based intervention (Mothers In Motion) for low-income overweight and obese women

Abstract Background Mothers In Motion (MIM), a randomized controlled trial, aimed to help young, low-income overweight and obese mothers prevent weight gain by promoting stress management, healthy eating, and physical activity. This paper describes MIM recruitment challenges and reports demographic characteristics affecting enrollment. Methods Participants who were African American or Non-Hispanic White were recruited from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Michigan. We faced numerous recruitment challenges and learned that several strategies facilitated recruitment. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine demographic characteristics that affect enrollment. Results Women who had a higher body mass index (BMI, OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10); were at late postpartum, (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10–1.40), were breastfeeding (OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.34–10.65); or were at early postpartum and breastfeeding (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22–0.81) were more likely to enroll than their counterparts. Compared to African American women, Non-Hispanic White women were more likely to enroll (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.29–2.42). Also, women who were non-smokers (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.40–0.73) or had a higher education were more likely to enroll (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04–1.42) than those who smoked or had a lower education. Conclusion Future lifestyle behavioral intervention studies for similar target audiences may consider tailoring their recruitment messages based on relevant participant demographic characteristics identified as potential determinants of enrollment in this study. Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT01839708 .