Date of Award

August 2019

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Katie E. Mosack

Committee Members

David Osmon, Krista Lisdahl, Christopher Martell, Kristin Smith

Keywords

Executive Functions, HIV/AIDS, Latino/a/x, Memory, Neuropsychology, Socially Responsible Neuropsychology

Abstract

The goal of the original study was to examine the relationships among neuropsychological measures, laboratory measures of medication management ability, self-report and pharmacy refill records, and biometric information in monolingual Spanish-speaking Latinos/as living with HIV. The researcher experienced difficulties with recruitment and collecting valid and complete data from patients who enrolled in the study. After a one-year recruitment period and with the support of the dissertation committee and advisor, the researcher changed the focus of the dissertation to examine the data that were collected using a case study framework (Berk, 2000; Bronfenbrenner, 1977, 1979). The researcher used Bronfenbrenner Ecological Systems model to guide the qualitative case study application of the problems with recruitment, difficulties collecting valid and complete data from patients who did enroll and detail the steps the investigator took to trouble shoot study difficulties during its active period with the pool of participants as the unit of analysis. Data were triangulated from different perspectives under a mixed, explanatory and exploratory, design (Baxter and Jack, 2008). Firstly, the researcher analyzed the quantitative data that included demographics, patient HIV variables, progression of disease and complications, neuropsychological data, and results from self-report measures. Then, the investigator conceptualized qualitative information that was gathered through the screening procedure, interviews, brief conversations, and final thoughts during the study session. Data from personal observations at recruitment events and meetings with case managers and the clinic director were obtained and utilized to understand the context in which the patients interact. Finally, the investigator compared current findings to the literature in barriers to research recruitment in Spanish-speakers, and other variables that affected participation, recruitment, and acquisition of valid data. Together, this information allowed the researcher to draw conclusions about the possible dynamics at play with the findings. Further, the researcher provided suggestions for best practices in recruitment and collecting valid data from populations that are difficult to recruit.

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