Using experience from our three-year pilot study, we developed a multifactorial rubric that identified the primary challenges to recruiting a socioeconomically diverse sample of African Americans and Whites. This recruitment strategy consisted of plans to address barriers that might exist at different levels related to the scientific staff, the community residents, as well as governmental and public safety officials. We employed this approach in a “dress rehearsal” tract to test the effectiveness of our study design. Table 1 outlines the numerous factors in the literature that are barriers to participation for members of minority or low-SES population communities. We categorized these into individual- and community-based barriers. We examined the logistical challenges of doing research in Baltimore City and developed a specific urban framework for our field-based study and identified relevant barriers from reading the pertinent literature, meeting with neighborhood stakeholders, local health professionals as well as governmental officials, and by creating a community advisory board.
