Abstract
Introduction: Non-response or non-consent can result in selection bias and affect the validity of results. Results are presented from the recruitment and first year of data collection from a longitudinal birth cohort study, examining different methods used to increase response rate.
Methods: Participants were recruited from two hospitals in England, UK. Baseline questionnaires were sent out to consented parents following the birth of their child, through email or by post. Following low response, methods to increase response rate included shortening the questionnaire and an alternative cover letter and free pen. Families who did not return the questionnaire were randomly allocated to receive a reminder by phone, postcard or an additional questionnaire.
Results: A 70% consent rate and overall 47% response rate has been achieved. Consent and response were negatively associated with deprivation (IMD) (consent M=25.1, 95%CI 24.5-25.7 and non-consent M=28.1, 95%CI 27.1-29.1, t(2843)=5.018, p=0.001) (responders M=22.3 95%CI 21.4-23.2 and non-responders M=28.4 95%CI 27.4-29.4 t(1701)=9.011, p<0.001).
Before any changes were implemented non-response was an issue with only 25% of questionnaires returned from the first attempt and 46% overall (including second consents).
Following the alternative cover letter and questionnaire, initial response rose to 38%. Resending the entire questionnaire resulted in the highest response (25%) compared to a postcard reminder (19%) and phone call (16%). The response rate (including second attempts) given the new methods was 49%. Following the changes there remained a significant difference in IMD between responders (m=22.0 95%CI 20.9-23.1) and non-responders overall (m=28.4 95%CI 27.1-29.6) t(1085)7.598,p=0.0001.
Discussion: Those who were more deprived (according to their IMD) were less likely to consent or complete questionnaires. Resending the entire questionnaire was the most effective method in increasing response but not reducing the difference in IMD. The most common reasons given for non-response were; misplaced questionnaire, chaotic lifestyle (new-born) or moving house.
Methods: Participants were recruited from two hospitals in England, UK. Baseline questionnaires were sent out to consented parents following the birth of their child, through email or by post. Following low response, methods to increase response rate included shortening the questionnaire and an alternative cover letter and free pen. Families who did not return the questionnaire were randomly allocated to receive a reminder by phone, postcard or an additional questionnaire.
Results: A 70% consent rate and overall 47% response rate has been achieved. Consent and response were negatively associated with deprivation (IMD) (consent M=25.1, 95%CI 24.5-25.7 and non-consent M=28.1, 95%CI 27.1-29.1, t(2843)=5.018, p=0.001) (responders M=22.3 95%CI 21.4-23.2 and non-responders M=28.4 95%CI 27.4-29.4 t(1701)=9.011, p<0.001).
Before any changes were implemented non-response was an issue with only 25% of questionnaires returned from the first attempt and 46% overall (including second consents).
Following the alternative cover letter and questionnaire, initial response rose to 38%. Resending the entire questionnaire resulted in the highest response (25%) compared to a postcard reminder (19%) and phone call (16%). The response rate (including second attempts) given the new methods was 49%. Following the changes there remained a significant difference in IMD between responders (m=22.0 95%CI 20.9-23.1) and non-responders overall (m=28.4 95%CI 27.1-29.6) t(1085)7.598,p=0.0001.
Discussion: Those who were more deprived (according to their IMD) were less likely to consent or complete questionnaires. Resending the entire questionnaire was the most effective method in increasing response but not reducing the difference in IMD. The most common reasons given for non-response were; misplaced questionnaire, chaotic lifestyle (new-born) or moving house.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 17 May 2016 |
| Event | SCT Annual Meeting: Thomas C Chalmers Student Scholarship Entry - Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal, Canada Duration: 15 May 2016 → 18 May 2016 |
Conference
| Conference | SCT Annual Meeting |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Canada |
| City | Montreal |
| Period | 15/05/16 → 18/05/16 |