Predictors of follow-up in a sample of urban crack users

The study identifies factors associated with completing a follow-up interview in an AIDS outreach/intervention research project targeting out-of-treatment crack smokers. Information on clients less likely to return for follow-up is important to determine generalizability of findings and to develop methods to increase follow-up rates. A street-based targeted sampling plan was used to recruit out-of-treatment crack cocaine users in East Harlem, NYC. Structured baseline (n = 409) and 6 month follow-up interviews (n = 288) were administered. Analyses comparing those followed-up and not followed-up indicated that clients less likely to be located for a follow-up were younger, male, using crack more frequently at baseline, and living on the streets or in shelters. This study demonstrated that street based AIDS prevention projects requiring follow-up can access hard to reach subjects such as crack users. Methods to enhance follow-up rates are discussed.