Factors associated with response to a follow-up postal questionnaire in a cohort of American Indians

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to collect pilot data on response rates to a follow-up postal questionnaire in a cohort of American Indians living in the Southwestern United States. We tested the effect of questionnaire length on response. Methods Cohort members were American Indian adul...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Preventive medicine 2009-06, Vol.48 (6), p.596-599
Main Authors: Edwards, Sandra L, Slattery, Martha L, Edwards, Alison M, Sweeney, Carol, Murtaugh, Maureen A, Palmer, Leslie E, Tom-Orme, Lillian
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
American Indian people
Cohort Studies
Data Collection
Educational Status
Elderly people
Enrollment
Epidemiologic Methods
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Indians
Indians, North American - statistics & numerical data
Internal Medicine
Male
Mesh heading key words
Middle Aged
North American
Patient Participation - methods
Pilot Projects
Postal Service
Proportional Hazards Models
Prospective Studies
Reminders
Response rate
Risk Factors
Southwestern United States
Surveys and Questionnaires - standards
Time Factors
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to collect pilot data on response rates to a follow-up postal questionnaire in a cohort of American Indians living in the Southwestern United States. We tested the effect of questionnaire length on response. Methods Cohort members were American Indian adults aged 18 and over who completed the baseline study visit. Study participants ( N = 1587), cohort members who completed the baseline study visit during the first year of enrollment, were randomized into two groups to receive either an 18-page or 3-page follow-up postal questionnaire. Data were collected between October 2005 and March 2006. Results The response rates after two questionnaire mailings and a reminder postcard were significantly higher for the short versus the long (56.2%, 48.1% p = < 0.01) questionnaire. Being female and being aged 50 or older were associated with returning a completed questionnaire. A reminder postcard and second mailing improved response by 11.7% and 13.4% respectively. Conclusions These results show that a postal questionnaire can be used in a cohort of American Indians living in the Southwest, but suggest that questionnaires should be short and repeat mailings are needed.
ISSN:0091-7435
1096-0260
DOI:10.1016/j.ypmed.2009.03.007