Table 4.

Participant engagement activities

1. Referral to study team by health authorities

– Collaborate with referral partners to obtain participant contact information, preferred modes and times of contact, consent for initial contact

– Assign each participant to one field interviewer throughout the study, where possible

2. Initial contact (telephone)

– Contact participant using study cell phone with text and email functions

– Use different modes and times of contact and obtain three alternative contacts

– Answer questions and offer flexibility in timing and location of interview

– Provide 24-h reminders using preferred communication mode (e.g., text messages)

– Enquire at each encounter if there is a change in contact information

– Accommodate interview rescheduling

3. Baseline interview (in-person)

– Establish rapport using effective communication techniques

– Adopt a professional (neutral, non-judgmental) manner

– Apply risk-mitigation training (interviewer safety)

– Provide essential study materials outlining the research process and interview dates

– Explain study purpose and confidentiality, answering questions and providing time to consider

– Use visual aids to convey the type, length and timing of research interviews

– Verify eligibility and obtain written informed consent

– Verify contact information and alternative contacts

– Use audio aids for survey items sensitive to reporting bias

– Provide meaningful honoraria such as gift cards for local department stores

– Collect information to facilitate rapport at follow-up interviews, such as preferred name