Authors:
Bhutta MF; Hobson L; Lambie J; Scaman ESH; Burton MJ; Giele H; Jamieson SE; Furniss D
Authors notes:
Annals of Human Genetics. 2013;77(3):244-250
Keywords:
Community-based studies, Genetic association, Oragene, Return rates, Saliva sample
Abstract:
Collection of saliva for DNA extraction has created new opportunities to recruit participants from the community for genetic association studies.
Using data from three large-scale genetic association studies we compared recruitment strategy and sample return rates.
We found highly significant differences in sample return rates between the studies.
In studies that recruited retrospectively, overall returns were much lower from families with a self-limiting condition who provided samples at a research centre or home visit, than adult elderly individuals with a chronic disease who provided samples by post (59% vs. 84%).
Prospective recruitment was associated with high agreement to participate (72%), but subsequent low return of actual saliva samples (42%).
Overall, study design significantly impacts upon response rates for genetic association studies recruiting from the community.
Our findings will help researchers in constructing and costing a recruitment protocol.