Sample design, sample augmentation, and estimation for Wave 2 of the NSHAP

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) collected baseline data in 2005.
• Wave 2 aimed to enhance the scientific value of the initial dataset.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revisit Wave 1 participants 5 years later (2010) and augment the sample.
• To expand the study by including coresident spouses or romantic partners.
• To maximize the representativeness of Wave 2 data by re-approaching Wave 1 nonrespondents.

Main Methods:

• Re-interviewing the original cohort 5 years after the first interview.
• Collecting data from coresident partners of the original sample members.
• Re-contacting individuals who did not participate in Wave 1.

Main Results:

• The overall response rate for Wave 2 was 74%.
• The conditional response rate for Wave 1 respondents was 89%.
• The conversion rate for Wave 1 nonrespondents was 26%.

Conclusions:

• Including partners allowed for the examination of intimate relationships and health trajectories.
• Re-engaging nonrespondents minimized potential bias and enhanced sample representativeness.
• NSHAP Wave 2 successfully consolidated the panel, recruited partners, and converted nonrespondents.