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Initial nonresponders had an increased response rate after repeated questionnaire mailings
Michel Wensing1, Geert Schattenberg
1Centre for Quality of Care Research (WOK), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, Nijmegen 6500, The Netherlands. M.Wensing@kwazo.umcn.nl
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|August 9, 2005
Summary
Repeatedly mailing questionnaires to initial nonresponders significantly boosts survey response rates. However, requesting explanations for nonparticipation did not improve overall survey participation.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health Research Methods
Background:
- Improving survey response rates is crucial for patient research.
- Intensive follow-up methods are being explored to enhance participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the added effect of two intensive follow-up procedures against a simple follow-up method.
- To determine the impact on survey response rates among elderly adults.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 955 elderly adults.
- Compared repeated questionnaire mailing and nonparticipation explanation requests against a simple reminder card.
Main Results:
- Overall response rate reached 67% after follow-up.
- Repeated mailing increased response among initial nonresponders (RR=1.60).
- Explanation requests did not yield additional benefits.
Conclusions:
- Repeated questionnaire mailing is an effective strategy for improving follow-up response rates in specific nonresponder groups.
- Targeted follow-up interventions can enhance survey data collection efficiency.