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. 2009 Oct;44(5 Pt 1):1762-72.
doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2009.01003.x. Epub 2009 Jul 27.

Implications of the growing use of wireless telephones for health care opinion polls

Joel C Cantor  1 , Susan Brownlee, Cliff Zukin, John M Boyle
Affiliations

Implications of the growing use of wireless telephones for health care opinion polls

Joel C Cantor et al. Health Serv Res. 2009 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of wireless telephone substitution in a survey of health care reform opinions.

Data source: Survey of New Jersey adults conducted by landline and wireless telephones from June 1 to July 9, 2007.

Study design: Eighty-one survey measures are compared by wireless status. Logistic regression is used to confirm landline-wireless gaps in support for coverage reforms, controlling for population differences. Weights adjust for selection probability, complex sample design, and demographic distributions.

Principal findings: Significant differences by wireless status were found in many survey measures. Wireless users were significantly more likely to favor coverage reforms. Higher support for government-sponsored universal coverage, income-related state coverage subsidies, and an individual mandate remain after adjustment for demographic variables.

Conclusions: Opinion polls excluding wireless users are likely to understate support for coverage reforms.

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