Response rate differences between web and alternative data collection methods for public health research: a systematic review of the literature

Cauane Blumenberg () and Aluísio J. D. Barros
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Cauane Blumenberg: Federal University of Pelotas
Aluísio J. D. Barros: Federal University of Pelotas

International Journal of Public Health, 2018, vol. 63, issue 6, No 10, 765-773

Abstract: Abstract Objectives To systematically review the literature and compare response rates (RRs) of web surveys to alternative data collection methods in the context of epidemiologic and public health studies. Methods We reviewed the literature using PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, WebSM, and Google Scholar databases. We selected epidemiologic and public health studies that considered the general population and used two parallel data collection methods, being one web-based. RR differences were analyzed using two-sample test of proportions, and pooled using random effects. We investigated agreement using Bland-and-Altman, and correlation using Pearson’s coefficient. Results We selected 19 studies (nine randomized trials). The RR of the web-based data collection was 12.9 percentage points (p.p.) lower (95% CI = − 19.0, − 6.8) than the alternative methods, and 15.7 p.p. lower (95% CI = − 24.2, − 7.3) considering only randomized trials. Monetary incentives did not reduce the RR differences. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.83) between the RRs was observed. Conclusions Web-based data collection present lower RRs compared to alternative methods. However, it is not recommended to interpret this as a meta-analytical evidence due to the high heterogeneity of the studies.

Keywords: Response rate; Web surveys; Public health; E-epidemiology; Epidemiology; Survey methodology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-1108-4

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