Recruiting hard-to-reach populations: lessons from a study of women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Victoria, Australia

Women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are at heightened risk for physical inactivity, an important modifiable risk factor for a number of preventable diseases. To best promote physical activity, we need to understand influences on physical activity and the feasibility of physical activity promotion strategies among this target group. However, those of lower socioeconomic position (SEP) are under-represented in research studies. Limited literature detailing effective strategies for recruiting low SEP populations exists. This letter outlines the strategies we employed in an attempt to recruit 25 women aged 18-45 years living in socioeconomically disadvantaged urban and rural areas of Victoria, Australia, into a qualitative study involving participation in a 30-60 minute interview. We hope that this letter stimulates discussion and debate about methods for recruiting populations of low SEP.