Internet Recruitment of a Diverse Population of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Nurses in a Study of Substance Use and Minority Stress

Abstract

Introduction: There is a lack of lesbian, bisexual and gay (LGB)-focused nursing research, in part, because the population is traditionally difficult to access. This article explores the effectiveness, benefits, and limitations of online recruitment of a distinct population of LGB-identified nurses in a study of substance use and minority stress. Methodology: A sample of nurses who self-identified as LGB were recruited for an online survey using organic Facebook outreach. A $5 Amazon gift card was offered as an incentive. Facebook insights data and demographic data were analyzed. Results: Within 96 hours, 394 participants had completed the 101-question online survey. The majority (n = 269, 68.6%) reported accessing the survey through Facebook. Email (n = 79, 20.2%) and word of mouth (n = 44, 11.2%) also contributed to recruitment. Discussion: The effectiveness of this Facebook recruitment protocol speaks to the importance of social media, survey incentives, and the “power of visibility” in recruitment of this population.