Project Summary
The PROUD-R2 study focuses on improving the recruitment and retention of people who use drugs (PWUD) in clinical research in rural areas impacted by opioid use disorder (OUD). Traditional research methods often fail to engage rural communities, so this study tests a peer-based approach, where trained peer participants help keep others involved in research. The study is being conducted in rural Oregon, Kentucky, and Ohio, as part of the Rural Opioids Initiative, which focuses on addressing the opioid crisis in these regions.
The study involves 1,370 participants and compares retention rates at 6 and 12 months between the peer-based strategy and standard retention methods like phone calls and text reminders. In addition, the study explores participants' willingness to participate in future clinical trials and gathers feedback on their experiences through surveys and interviews. The goal is to find effective strategies for engaging rural PWUD in clinical research and improving access to treatment for those most affected by the opioid epidemic.