A Feasibility Study of Muslim Cancer Survivors’ Experience in the United States: Recruitment and Data Collection

Background: Studies with U.S. Muslims have had difficulty recruiting participants. Method: This article, which was part of a larger qualitative study, aimed to describe the effectiveness of targeted recruitment and data collection strategies in Muslim cancer survivors. The purpose of the larger qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of Muslim cancer survivors in the United States. Four recruitment approaches were implemented to determine timeliness, diversity in respondents, and success in completing the interview. Results: Eighteen Muslim cancer survivors participated (12 males, 6 females). Ten Muslim participants were identified by community leaders, two by posted flyers, four using social media, and two by a physician. No burden was voiced by participants related to length, time, or location of interviews. Discussion: We demonstrated the feasibility of recruiting and interviewing Muslim cancer survivors. Using culturally sensitive approaches is important to encourage recruitment and participation in studies of Muslim cancer survivors.