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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 Jun;48(6):596-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2009.03.007. Epub 2009 Mar 12.

Factors associated with response to a follow-up postal questionnaire in a cohort of American Indians

Sandra L Edwards  1 , Martha L Slattery, Alison M Edwards, Carol Sweeney, Maureen A Murtaugh, Leslie E Palmer, Lillian Tom-Orme
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Factors associated with response to a follow-up postal questionnaire in a cohort of American Indians

Sandra L Edwards et al. Prev Med. 2009 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to collect pilot data on response rates to a follow-up postal questionnaire in a cohort of American Indians living in the Southwestern United States. We tested the effect of questionnaire length on response.

Methods: Cohort members were American Indian adults aged 18 and over who completed the baseline study visit. Study participants (N=1587), cohort members who completed the baseline study visit during the first year of enrollment, were randomized into two groups to receive either an 18-page or 3-page follow-up postal questionnaire. Data were collected between October 2005 and March 2006.

Results: The response rates after two questionnaire mailings and a reminder postcard were significantly higher for the short versus the long (56.2%, 48.1% p= < 0.01) questionnaire. Being female and being aged 50 or older were associated with returning a completed questionnaire. A reminder postcard and second mailing improved response by 11.7% and 13.4% respectively.

Conclusions: These results show that a postal questionnaire can be used in a cohort of American Indians living in the Southwest, but suggest that questionnaires should be short and repeat mailings are needed.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Participant flowchart. This figure summarizes the flow of participants through the study as recommended by the CONSORT statement, Navajo Education and Research (EARTH) Study, 2005–2006.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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