Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026
10:17
High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Testing methodologies to recruit adult drug-using couples.
Gregory G Homish1, Kenneth E Leonard
1Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214-8028, United States. ghomish@buffalo.edu
Addictive Behaviors
|September 13, 2008
Summary
Recruiting substance-using couples via mail surveys is feasible. A $1 incentive significantly boosted response rates, yielding a representative sample for research.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Survey Methodology
Background:
- Traditional random digit dialing is less effective for recruiting participants, particularly younger individuals, due to caller ID and blocking technologies.
- Obtaining representative samples of specific populations, such as substance-using couples, presents unique recruitment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a multi-step mailed survey for recruiting a random sample of adult, substance-using couples.
- To evaluate response rates and sample generalizability using this methodology.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study purchased a random sample of 1000 adult names and addresses.
- Participants were randomly assigned to receive a $1 incentive or no incentive with the mailed survey.
- Response rates and demographic/substance use data were compared between groups.
Main Results:
- The incentive group achieved a significantly higher response rate (66%) compared to the non-incentive group (47%).
- Substance use rates (marijuana, heavy drinking) and attitudes were comparable to national estimates, indicating good generalizability.
- No significant differences in substance use were found between the incentive and non-incentive groups.
Conclusions:
- Multi-step mailed surveys are a feasible and effective method for recruiting representative samples of adult, substance-using couples.
- Incentives can significantly improve response rates in such studies.
- This methodology offers a viable alternative to declining random digit dialing effectiveness.
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