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Iterative Development of an Innovative Smartphone-Based Dietary Assessment Tool: Traqq

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Testing Skype as an interview method in epidemiologic research: response and feasibility.

Tobias Weinmann¹, Silke Thomas, Susanne Brilmayer

¹Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology and NetTeaching Unit, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany. tobias.weinmann@med.lmu.de

International Journal of Public Health

|September 5, 2012

Summary

Skype interviews are not yet feasible for epidemiologic research in Germany. Response rates were significantly lower for Skype compared to phone interviews, indicating poor suitability for data collection.

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Area of Science:

Epidemiologic Research
Public Health Technology

Background:

Skype's popularity contrasts with its lack of testing in epidemiologic research.
Assessing the feasibility of Skype for data collection in Germany was the focus.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the feasibility of using Skype for epidemiologic research interviews.
To compare response rates and interview duration between Skype and traditional phone interviews.

Main Methods:

A population-based sample of young adults was randomly assigned to either a Skype interview (n=150) or a phone interview (n=150).
Response rates and interview durations were analyzed to determine Skype's feasibility.

Main Results:

The response rate for Skype interviews was significantly lower (10%) compared to phone interviews (22%).
A notable portion (one-third) of participants initially invited via Skype requested a phone interview instead.
Interview durations were comparable, with a median of 34.0 minutes for Skype and 37.0 minutes for phone.

Conclusions:

Skype is currently not a feasible tool for collecting data in German epidemiologic research.
Lower response rates and participant preference for phone interviews suggest limitations for Skype in this context.