Abstract
Background
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in data collection methods have been introduced in research to ensure continuity despite physical distancing and lockdown restrictions. However, little is currently known about the potential differences in information collected using these traditional face-to-face methods compared to the incorporation of virtual methods to address the above, particularly in studies involving older adults.
Aims
Our objectives were, therefore, to compare data collected during the pandemic using hybrid methods from older individuals participating in falls research to that collected through traditional face-to-face methods.
Methods
Participants comprised of individuals recruited to two fall studies which hurdled the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both studies recruited individuals aged 60 years and over with at least one fall in the past 12 months, and controls with no history of falls in the past 12 months. Pre-pandemic, individuals were interviewed face-to-face exclusively, those interviews after the start of the pandemic were conducted virtually with physical assessments conducted face-to-face to minimize physical contact. Cognitive, physical, and psychological status were determined using the visual cognitive assessment tool (VCAT), timed-up-and-go (TUG), functional reach (FR), handgrip strength (HGS), and the 21-item depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). In addition quality of life, physical activity and social participation were also measured.
Results
Of the 145 participants (median age (interquartile range, IQR) of 73.5 (67-81) years), 69 (47.6%) were interviewed face-to-face, while 76 (53.4%) were assessed using a hybrid method. Participants in both groups had similar age, gender, ethnic breakdown, marital status, education levels, anthropometric measurements, and medication burden. More face-to-face participants had hypertension and fall compared to hybrid participants Differences were observed in presence of fall characteristics, with fewer fallers seeing a doctor and more fallers attending the emergency department after the start of the pandemic. After adjustment for baseline differences, participants interviewed using hybrid status had lower depression scores (odds ratio, OR (95% confidence interval, CI)=0.29(0.14-0.61) and stress scores (OR(95%CI)=0.33(0.15-0.72)), but greater fear of falling (OR(95%CI)=2.16(1.04-4.48)) and reduced social participation (OR(95%CI)=2.64(1.20-5.79)).
Conclusion
Alterations in recruitment and data collection methods to overcome pandemic restrictions should take into consideration potential differences in individuals who agree to participate as well as the influence of major life events on the psychological status of participants.
Comparing Face-to-Face and Online Data Collection Methods in Preterm and Full-Term Children: An Exploratory Study
