Psychological and social correlates of attrition in a longitudinal study of hazardous waste exposure.

The differences between responders and nonresponders ("re(fuser)s" and "movers") in a follow-up survey of self-reported health effects associated with residing near a hazardous waste site were analyzed in this study. Responders and refusers did not differ with respect to demographic variables when comparison was made with measures from the initial survey; however, movers were more likely than refusers to be younger, to rent their homes, and to have lived in the area for the shortest period. In terms of psychological reactions, movers and refusers reported more intense worries, more stress, and more psychological intrusion about the problem than did responders. There were no differences between the groups with respect to self-reported prevalence of death and cancer, diseases, or symptoms of physical illness. The results indicated that the psychological impact of exposure to a hazardous waste site may be greatest in individuals who are lost to follow-up.