[Accuracy and reliability of epidemiologic interviews using substitute respondents].

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health Research

Background:

• Evaluating data reliability from substitute respondents is crucial for research accuracy.
• Previous studies confirmed the correctness of classifying individuals as smokers or non-smokers using this method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reliability and relevancy of information obtained from substitute respondents in epidemiological investigations.
• To analyze the consistency of demographic, social, and medical data provided by main and substitute respondents.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of data consistency between main respondents and substitute respondents.
• Evaluation of the relevancy of interviews conducted with substitute respondents.
• Analysis of the correctness of respondent classification (e.g., smokers vs. non-smokers) against biochemical markers.

Main Results:

• Demographic-social and some medical data show high consistency between main and substitute respondents.
• Nutrition characteristics exhibit lower consistency.
• Professional interviews from substitute respondents are subject to significant error, correlated with job roles and tenure.

Conclusions:

• Findings provide insights for planning epidemiological investigations utilizing substitute respondent data.
• Careful consideration of data type and potential errors is necessary when using substitute respondents.
• Further research is needed to understand the relevancy of interviews with substitute respondents, particularly for nutritional data.