Table 1 Reported reasons for attrition
Reported reason | Studies, n (%) (N = 19)a | Participants, n (%) (N = 329)b | References |
|---|---|---|---|
Potentially modifiable reasons | |||
Capability Pain during exercise Too tired Medical reasons (related to protocol) | 4 (21.1) 1 (5.3) 1 (5.3) 2 (10.5) | 6 (1.7) 2 (0.6) 1 (0.3) 3 (0.9) | 32,40,43,44 |
Opportunity Family reasons (e.g. family member illness) Too busy Participation requires too much time Job commitments Schedule conflictb Engaged in other activities Enrolled in another study Noncompliance with study protocol | 5 (26.3) 2 (10.5) 1 (5.3) 1 (5.3) 1 (5.3) 1 (5.3) 1 (5.3) 1 (5.3) 1 (5.3) | 20 (5.8) 2 (0.6) 1 (0.3) 2 (0.6) 1 (0.3) – 11 (0.9) 1 (0.3) 2 (0.6) | 29,31,32,38,42 |
Motivation Lacked interest Low motivation Too much trouble Wanted to lose weightc Physiotherapist perceives rehabilitation needs not met by program | 5 (26.3) 2 (10.5) 1 (5.3) 1 (5.3) 1 (5.3) 1 (5.3) | 55 (15.9) 9 (2.6) 9 (2.6) 32 (9.2) 1 (0.3) 4 (1.2) | 32,33,35,38,43 |
Discontinued for unspecified reason | 7 (36.8) | 78 (22.5) | 30,31,33,34,39,40,42 |
Lost to follow-up | 3 (15.8) | 19 (5.5) | 33,38,48 |
Potentially non-modifiable reasons | |||
Death Declining health (unrelated to protocol) Hospitalization Surgical intervention preventing participation Participant moved residence Personal reasons (unrelated to protocol) | 12 (63.2) 7 (36.8) 3 (15.8) 1 (5.3) 3 (15.8) 2 (10.5) | 59 (17.0) 70 (20.2) 20 (5.8) 2 (0.6) 14 (4.0) 4 (1.2) | 29–31,33,34,36–41,43,44,50,51 |