OBJECTIVES: This study examined the characteristics of Air Force recruits willing to take part in a health survey vs those unwilling to participate. METHODS: US Air Force recruits undergoing basic military training (n = 32,144) were surveyed regarding demographic and health variables. RESULTS: Respondents indicating an unwillingness to participate in a health survey reported less healthy lifestyles than those willing to participate. Prediction equations modeling the characteristics of those engaging in 4 risky behaviors were nearly identical regardless of whether those refusing to participate were included. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that, despite some low estimates of health behaviors due to response bias, relationships between most risk factors are generally unaffected by those not responding to health surveys.
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the characteristics of Air Force recruits willing to take part in a health survey vs those unwilling to participate. METHODS: US Air Force recruits undergoing basic military training (n = 32,144) were surveyed regarding demographic and health variables. RESULTS: Respondents indicating an unwillingness to participate in a health survey reported less healthy lifestyles than those willing to participate. Prediction equations modeling the characteristics of those engaging in 4 risky behaviors were nearly identical regardless of whether those refusing to participate were included. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that, despite some low estimates of health behaviors due to response bias, relationships between most risk factors are generally unaffected by those not responding to health surveys.
Authors: Christoph E Minder; Tobias Müller; Gerhard Gillmann; John C Beck; Andreas E Stuck Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2002-03 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Kennet Harald; Veikko Salomaa; Pekka Jousilahti; Seppo Koskinen; Erkki Vartiainen Journal: J Epidemiol Community Health Date: 2007-05 Impact factor: 3.710
Authors: C Ribet; M Zins; A Gueguen; A Bingham; M Goldberg; P Ducimetière; T Lang Journal: J Epidemiol Community Health Date: 2003-11 Impact factor: 3.710