Children as subjects in nutrition research: a retrospective look at their perceptions

Abstract

Objective: To explore children's motivations for and perceived benefits and barriers to nutrition research participation. To explore children's perspectives on how to improve the research experience.

Design: Seven focus group sessions were conducted during March 2008 with research participants from a trial that examined the effects of pre-exercise snacks on physical activity and exercise stress in children. The Health Belief Model for Behavior Change served as the framework for understanding perceived benefits and barriers to research participation and cues to action to help children's readiness for future research participation.

Setting: Indoor sports center in Acton, Massachusetts.

Participants: Thirty-five children, 15 males and 20 females, aged 7-10 years.

Phenomenon of interest: Children's participation in nutrition research.

Analysis: Transcripts were reviewed, coded, and sorted according to recurring trends and patterns using NVIVO software.

Results: Participants were overwhelmingly motivated to participate in research because of financial incentives. The biggest barrier to participation was anxiety over finger pricks. Children suggested demonstrating different aspects of data collection during recruitment to reduce trepidation and using distraction techniques to improve the experience during anxiety-provoking data collection.

Conclusion and implications: Themes for benefits and barriers to research participation were identified. Data also provide a guide to promote readiness and to improve the research experience for children in future nutrition trials.