No Increase in Response Rate by Adding a Web Response Option to a Postal Population Survey
Author Information
Author(s): Jan Brøgger, Wenche Nystad, Inger Cappelen, Per Bakke
Primary Institution: Haukeland University Hospital
Hypothesis
The addition of the Internet response option to a postal survey would increase response rate with little bias from the mix of survey modes.
Conclusion
Adding an Internet response option did not increase survey response rates, and asthma diagnosis was higher in the Internet response group, suggesting nonresponse bias.
Supporting Evidence
- Response rates were unchanged between the traditional postal survey and the one with an Internet option.
- Asthma diagnosis was reported more often in the Internet response group.
- Internet responders were more likely to be male and current smokers.
Takeaway
The study tested if letting people answer a health survey online would get more responses, but it didn't help at all.
Methodology
This was a randomized trial comparing a traditional postal survey with a postal survey that had an optional Internet-based response.
Potential Biases
There was a potential for nonresponse bias, particularly regarding asthma diagnosis among different response modes.
Limitations
The study could not determine if the Internet response option caused nonresponse bias or if it was due to other factors.
Participant Demographics
Participants were permanent residents of Norway, aged 20-40 years, with a balanced gender distribution.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.24
Statistical Significance
p = .24
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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