Randomized Study of Survey Recruitment Strategies for Parents of Autistic Children
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Published on: July 31, 2017
Bhumi B Bhakta1, Karen J Coleman2, Kristen R Choi3
1Bhumi B. Bhakta, Research Assistant, Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA.
Introduction:
This study aimed to compare phone, email, or text message recruitment strategies for engaging parents of autistic children in an online survey.
Method:
In this randomized study, a sample of 1,624 parents of autistic children spectrum disorder (autism) from an integrated health system in Southern California were sent an initial mailed letter and email simultaneously for baseline survey outreach. Then, participants were randomly assigned to one of three follow-up recruitment groups: phone, email, or text message. We compared the efficacy of recruitment strategies in multivariate models.
Results:
All three follow-up methods were equally effective for eliciting a survey response. Parents of girls were less likely to respond to survey outreach attempts than parents of boys.
Discussion:
Multiple modalities of survey recruitment, including digital and mobile approaches, effectively recruit parents of children in research.
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Group Design
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Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Surveys

