Open AccessDutch Brain Research Registry for study participant recruitment: Design and first results
Author(s) -
Zwan Marissa D.,
Flier Wiesje M.,
Cleutjens Solange,
Schouten Tamara C,
Vermunt Lisa,
Jutten Roos J.,
Maurik Ingrid S.,
Sikkes Sietske A.M.,
Flenniken Derek,
Howell Taylor,
Weiner Michael W.,
Scheltens Philip,
Prins Niels D.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1002/trc2.12132
Subject(s) - dementia , medicine , psychology , family medicine , gerontology , disease , pathology
The Dutch Brain Research Registry aims to facilitate online recruitment of participants for brain disease studies. Methods Registrants were primarily recruited through an online social media campaign. The registration process included a short questionnaire, which was subsequently used in the prescreening process to match participants to studies. Results In the first 18 months, 17,218 registrants signed up (58±11 years old, 78% female). Out of 34,696 study invitations that were sent, 36% were accepted by registrants, of which 50% to 84% were finally enrolled, resulting in 10,661 participants in 28 studies. Compared to non‐participants, study participants were more often older, male, more highly educated, retired or unemployed, non‐smoking, healthier, and more often had a family member with dementia. Discussion The Dutch Brain Research Registry facilitates effective matching of participants to brain disease studies. Participant factors related to study enrollment may reflect facilitators or barriers for participation, which is useful for improving recruitment strategies.