Tracking high-risk adolescents longitudinally

Longitudinal tracking methods rarely have been documented. A discussion is provided here of tracking methods and strategies used in assessing the effectiveness of an AIDS prevention intervention with high-risk adolescents over four years. We demonstrated an ability to follow 92% of a sample of unstable youths in a difficult urban environment. Successful recontacting of youths depended on the structure of the project in the recruitment phases, strategic choice of interviewers, a cost-effective payment schedule and other motivators, knowledge of appropriate social service agencies that could provide information on youths, and methods to elicit cooperation. Confidentiality and other ethical issues are discussed.