The effect of personal characteristics on response levels in a health survey

In a survey of everyday health in South Auckland, 207 mothers kept a diary of their families' health episodes and influences. Besides noting the problems of obtaining and maintaining respondent compliance, we found considerable variations in reporting levels between the main ethnic groups and between those willing to keep diaries for shorter or longer periods. The number of reports recorded varied on different days of the week and as time progressed. We quantified these variations and suggest correction processes which may be applied to research findings in multi-cultural areas.