Recruitment of pregnant and breastfeeding women in pharmacokinetic studies: strategies, opportunities, barriers, and recommendations

Nakijoba, R ORCID: 0000-0002-6626-0329, Kawuma, AN ORCID: 0000-0001-7975-0178, Asiimwe, SP ORCID: 0000-0002-9804-6079, Turyahabwe, C ORCID: 0000-0001-6510-0887, Tabwenda, JC ORCID: 0000-0001-9108-4331, Kyeyune, J ORCID: 0000-0002-0156-5615, Magoola, J ORCID: 0000-0003-1710-7042, Ojara, FW ORCID: 0000-0002-6425-6828 and Waitt, C ORCID: 0000-0003-0134-5855 (2024) Recruitment of pregnant and breastfeeding women in pharmacokinetic studies: strategies, opportunities, barriers, and recommendations BMC Research Notes, 17 (1). 312-. ISSN 1756-0500, 1756-0500

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Abstract

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are often under-represented in clinical research, including pharmacokinetic studies, due to ethical and logistical challenges. This paper examines strategies to improve the recruitment and retention of this demographic in pharmacokinetic research, drawing on experiences from five studies conducted at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Uganda. Key strategies implemented include Community Advisory Board meetings, the involvement of Peer Mothers as Co-Investigators, established recruitment sites, the use of safety protocols, and the utilization of diverse communication platforms, including social media and stakeholder meetings. Despite these efforts, substantial barriers, such as scheduling conflicts and frequent staff turnover at recruitment sites, continue to threaten progress. The paper recommends flexible scheduling, strengthening public engagement, and transparent demonstration of adherence to ethical principles; justice, non-maleficence, respect, and beneficence to ensure the safety and inclusivity of pregnant and breastfeeding women. The inclusion of this population in pharmacokinetic studies is essential for providing evidence-based care that meets their unique health needs.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Tuberculosis, Malaria, Breastmilk, Pharmacokinetics, Lactation, Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Systems, Molec & Integrative Biology > Inst. Systems, Molec & Integrative Biology
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	18 Nov 2024 16:00
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2026 20:40
DOI:	10.1186/s13104-024-06946-x
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3188717
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