M C Morris1, G A Colditz, D A Evans. 1. Institute on Aging, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: We conducted a pilot study of a mail food frequency questionnaire among a bi-racial sample of 200 persons 65 years and older, selected from participants of an ongoing community study. METHODS: Up to three successive mailings were followed by personal contact with nonresponders. Response to the mail survey was higher in whites (81%) than in blacks (53%). Personal contact was important to achieving high and uniform response (94%) in both racial groups. RESULTS: Those responding to the mailed questionnaires were also more likely to be older and higher educated. The vast majority of questionnaires returned by mail were complete; 85% had fewer than 15 missing items out of 152 questions. CONCLUSIONS: A mail nutritional survey is a feasible method of dietary assessment in older, white populations, but personal contact with nonresponders may be required for comparable participation among blacks.
PURPOSE: We conducted a pilot study of a mail food frequency questionnaire among a bi-racial sample of 200 persons 65 years and older, selected from participants of an ongoing community study. METHODS: Up to three successive mailings were followed by personal contact with nonresponders. Response to the mail survey was higher in whites (81%) than in blacks (53%). Personal contact was important to achieving high and uniform response (94%) in both racial groups. RESULTS: Those responding to the mailed questionnaires were also more likely to be older and higher educated. The vast majority of questionnaires returned by mail were complete; 85% had fewer than 15 missing items out of 152 questions. CONCLUSIONS: A mail nutritional survey is a feasible method of dietary assessment in older, white populations, but personal contact with nonresponders may be required for comparable participation among blacks.
Authors: Martha Clare Morris; Denis A Evans; Julie A Schneider; Christine C Tangney; Julia L Bienias; Neelum T Aggarwal Journal: J Alzheimers Dis Date: 2006-08 Impact factor: 4.472
Authors: M C Morris; D A Evans; J L Bienias; P A Scherr; C C Tangney; L E Hebert; D A Bennett; R S Wilson; N Aggarwal Journal: J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry Date: 2004-08 Impact factor: 10.154