One of the most daunting obstacles in conducting longitudinal research in the community is retaining participants over extended periods of time. The current study examines this issue and presents a comprehensive protocol designed to maximize retention rates. The techniques developed were highly successful in locating low-income, abused women (97% retention rate at the 24-month follow-up). The authors' experiences indicate not only that it is important to make multiple contacts with participants by phone and in person but that identifying and gaining access to participants' social and community networks is crucial to attaining high retention rates.
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