Tailored Recruitment Strategies among Transgender and Non-Transgender Veterans: Participants' Perceptions and Response

• Published in: Military behavioral health Vol. 9; no. 2; pp. 181 - 189
• Main Authors: Boyer, Taylor L., Rodriguez, Keri L., Hruska, Kristina L., Klima, Gloria J., Vazzano, Jesse K., Shipherd, Jillian C., Kauth, Michael R., Montgomery, Ann Elizabeth, Blosnich, John R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 03.04.2021
• Subjects: health research; qualitative research; recruitment; Transgender persons; transgender veterans; Veterans health
• ISSN: 2163-5781; 2163-5803
• DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2020.1837306

Primary data collection is imperative for understanding the health care experiences of transgender veterans to ensure equitable care. However, it is unclear how to best engage transgender individuals in research. This study's objective was to explore how tailored language used in recruitment affects individuals' response and perspectives about recruitment. We randomly assigned 300 veterans to receive either a general or tailored (i.e., included the word "transgender") recruitment letter. Each type of letter was mailed to 50 cisgender men, 50 cisgender women, and 50 transgender individuals. Contact and response rates were calculated for each recruitment condition. We conducted interviews with respondents about reactions to the recruitment letter. Interviews were coded using rapid identification of themes from audio recordings. The contact rate for the general recruitment letter (28%) was higher than the tailored letter's contact rate (19%), although not significantly different (p = .077). Interviews were completed with 17 cisgender men, 14 cisgender women, and 17 transgender women (Response Rate 2 = 16.6%). Few cisgender recipients of the tailored letter mentioned the transgender-specific language; most said the letter was clear/straightforward. Transgender participants appreciated the transgender-specific language. The results suggest that tailored recruitment materials may resonate with transgender participants without alienating cisgender participants.