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The experience of using random digit dialling methods in a population-based chronic pain study
Fiona M Blyth1, Lyn M March, David Shellard
1Pain Management and Research Centre, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards. fblyth@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
|January 18, 2003
Summary
Random digit dialling (RDD) effectively surveyed chronic pain prevalence, yielding a 73.4% response rate. While unlisted numbers had lower response rates, RDD minimized sampling bias in population health research.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Survey Methodology
Background:
- Population-based surveys are crucial for understanding chronic pain prevalence.
- Random digit dialling (RDD) is a method for telephone surveys.
- Assessing RDD's effectiveness and respondent characteristics is important for survey design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate response rates and call characteristics of RDD in a chronic pain prevalence study.
- To compare respondent demographics based on telephone number listing status.
- To inform public health researchers on RDD methodology for telephone surveys.
Main Methods:
- A population-based chronic pain prevalence study using RDD.
- Computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) for data collection.
- Comparison of respondent characteristics between listed and unlisted telephone numbers.
Main Results:
- Overall response rate was 73.4%, with listed numbers (75.0%) responding higher than unlisted (66.3%).
- Unlisted number respondents were younger, more male, and less likely to live in larger households.
- Answering machine messages improved response rates to 79.7%.
Conclusions:
- RDD methods reduce sampling bias in chronic pain prevalence studies.
- Differential response rates and higher costs associated with RDD require careful consideration.
- Published RDD experiences aid researchers in selecting appropriate telephone survey methods.