Using Communication Infrastructure Theory to Formulate a Strategy to Locate “Hard-to-Reach” Research Participants

Abstract

In health-communication research, participants who are disproportionately affected by health disparities are often “hard-to-reach,” making them difficult to identify for formative research. This study used communication infrastructure theory (CIT) to create a strategy for locating a specific subset of residents—those who use 911 for healthcare—within a low-income Atlanta community. Findings suggest the need for strategies that involve employing both the communication channels that are part of the neighborhood storytelling network and the community's discursive spaces, more specifically the communication hot spots and community comfort zones located within the community's built environment.

Keywords:

• Communication Infrastructure Theory
• Hard-to-reach Populations
• Formative Research Strategies
• Health Communication
• Communication Outreach

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Healthcare Georgia Foundation. The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions made by community members Michelle Marcus, Travie Leslie, Margaret Hooker, and Nora Williams as part of our research team.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Holley A. Wilkin

Holley A. Wilkin, Department of Communication, Georgia State University

Kimberly A. Stringer

Kimberly A. Stringer, Department of Communication, Georgia State University, Kimberly A. Stringer is now at KDH Research & Communication, Atlanta, GA

Karen O'Quin

Karen O'Quin, Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Karen O'Quin is now in AmeriCorps VISTA with Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis

Shannon A. Montgomery

Shannon A. Montgomery, Department of Communication, Georgia State University

Kimberly Hunt

Kimberly Hunt, Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University