Improving Survey Response Rates from Parents in School-Based Research Using a Multi-Level Approach

Elizabeth J Schilpzand, Emma Sciberras, Daryl Efron, Vicki Anderson and Jan M Nicholson

PLOS ONE, 2015, vol. 10, issue 5, 1-11

Abstract: Background: While schools can provide a comprehensive sampling frame for community-based studies of children and their families, recruitment is challenging. Multi-level approaches which engage multiple school stakeholders have been recommended but few studies have documented their effects. This paper compares the impact of a standard versus enhanced engagement approach on multiple indicators of recruitment: parent response rates, response times, reminders required and sample characteristics. Methods: Parents and teachers were distributed a brief screening questionnaire as a first step for recruitment to a longitudinal study, with two cohorts recruited in consecutive years (cohort 1 2011, cohort 2 2012). For cohort 2, additional engagement strategies included the use of pre-notification postcards, improved study materials, and recruitment progress graphs provided to school staff. Chi-square and t-tests were used to examine cohort differences. Results: Compared to cohort 1, a higher proportion of cohort 2 parents responded to the survey (76% versus 69%; p

Date: 2015
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0126950

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126950

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