A neonatal preventive intervention study: Issues of recruitment and retention.

Intervention to prevent negative mental health outcomes in families of ill and premature newborns is an important part of neonatal care. This study addresses the factors which influence participation in a parent support group for parents of ill and premature newborns. Demographic, social support, and infant health data were examined to determine how support group participants and nonparticipants differed. In addition, efforts at enhancing recruitment and retention into support groups were examined. Results showed participants in the support group to have less healthy infants with longer hospital stays than nonparticipants. Participants reported more favorable financial situations, slightly higher incomes and less social support as measured by fewer contacts with family and friends than nonparticipants. Recommendations for future intervention research are discussed.