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.
RCT Entities:
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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