Altruism and participation in longitudinal health research? Insights from the Whitehall II Study

► Interviews with Whitehall II Study participants (based at UCL) in 2003/2008 examined motivation for continued participation. ► Participants requested, additional medical tests, additional information about the study, ability to meet ex-colleagues. ► Participants appreciated the medical examination, contact with medical experts, meeting colleagues, being part of a study. ► Research staff believed participation is altruistic, participants understood their participation as being reciprocated. ► Recommend exit interviews on withdrawal and a “participant user panel” to maximise information to maintain participation.