Comparing Mailed Questionnaires and Telephone Interviews in Health Surveys
Author Information
Author(s): Feveile Helene, Olsen Ole, Hogh Annie
Primary Institution: National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hypothesis
Does the mode of data collection (mailed questionnaires vs. telephone interviews) affect response patterns in health surveys?
Conclusion
The mode of data collection significantly influences how people report their health, with telephone interviews leading to more positive responses.
Supporting Evidence
- Telephone respondents used extreme response categories more frequently than those who received mailed questionnaires.
- The overall response rate was similar for both methods, but demographic differences were noted.
- For health self-assessment items, significant differences in response patterns were found.
Takeaway
This study shows that how you ask people about their health can change their answers, with phone calls often getting better responses than mail.
Methodology
A stratified sample of 4,000 adults in Denmark was randomized to receive either mailed questionnaires or telephone interviews, and response patterns were analyzed.
Potential Biases
There was a differential nonresponse bias observed for age and gender.
Limitations
The study did not account for potential biases in responses due to the nature of the questions asked.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 20-60 from Denmark, with a balanced representation of gender and age.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.26
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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