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Design and Conduct of an I nternet‐Based Preconception Cohort Study in N orth A merica: P regnancy S tudy O nline
Author(s) -
Wise Lauren A.,
Rothman Kenneth J.,
Mikkelsen Ellen M.,
Stanford Joseph B.,
Wesselink Amelia K.,
McKin Craig,
Gruschow Siobhan M.,
Horgan Casie E.,
Wiley Aleta S.,
Hahn Kristen A.,
Sørensen Henrik Toft,
Hatch Elizabeth E.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
paediatric and perinatal epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.667
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1365-3016
pISSN - 0269-5022
DOI - 10.1111/ppe.12201
Subject(s) - medicine , cohort , cohort study , demography , danish , family medicine , sociology , linguistics , philosophy
Background We launched the B oston U niversity P regnancy S tudy O nline ( PRESTO ) to assess the feasibility of carrying out an I nternet‐based preconception cohort study in the US and C anada. Methods We recruited female participants age 21–45 and their male partners through I nternet advertisements, word of mouth, and flyers. Female participants were randomised with 50% probability to receive a subscription to FertilityFriend.com ( FF ), a web‐based programme that collects real‐time data on menstrual characteristics. We compared recruitment methods within PRESTO , assessed the cost‐efficiency of PRESTO relative to its D anish counterpart ( S nart‐ G ravid), and validated retrospectively reported date of last menstrual period ( LMP ) against the FF data. Results After 99 weeks of recruitment (2013–15), 2421 women enrolled; 1384 (57%) invited their male partners to participate, of whom 693 (50%) enrolled. Baseline characteristics were balanced across randomisation groups. Cohort retention was similar among those randomised vs. not randomised to FF (84% vs. 81%). At study enrolment, 56%, 22%, and 22% couples had been trying to conceive for <3, 3–5, and ≥6 months, respectively. The cost per subject enrolled was $146 (2013 US $), which was similar to our companion D anish study and half that of a traditional cohort study. Among FF users who conceived, >97% reported their LMP on the PRESTO questionnaire within 1 day of the LMP recorded via FF . Conclusions Use of the I nternet as a method of recruitment and follow‐up in a North American preconception cohort study was feasible and cost‐effective.