Researching Internet-Based Populations: Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Survey Research, Online Questionnaire Authoring Software Packages, and Web Survey Services

The paper describes one specific approach to implementing web based survey research and reviews a range of online survey techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of various web based survey approaches are discussed. The paper describes one research project that used an 'off line contact-online response' in an educational setting. The researchers conclude that it is not possible to describe one process that would work well in all situations, given the variations in the way technology is currently utilised in schools and homes. The paper discusses the problems encountered and makes suggestions for future web based survey research.

Download Full-text

Emotional Bonding and Sexual Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-National Pilot Study

Journal of Psychosexual Health ◽

10.1177/26318318211027482 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 263183182110274

Author(s):

Deblina Roy ◽

Sujita Kumar Kar ◽

SM Yasir Arafat ◽

Pawan Sharma ◽

Russell Kabir

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Sexual Relationships ◽

Sexually Active ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Emotional Bonding ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Study Participants

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have affected the sexuality and emotional bonding among the couple across the world. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the married people’s emotional bonding and sexual relationships in 3 south Asian counties (Bangladesh, India, and Nepal). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Bangladesh, India, and Nepal residents from April 3 to April 15, 2020. The survey was designed in English. The participants were selected through convenience sampling technique, the link of the online questionnaire was shared with the participants. Only participants older than 18 years and above, married, and living with their spouses were included in the study. Results: A total number of 120 respondents were included finally for analysis from the participating countries (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh). The mean age of the participants was 35.42 (±5.73) years; the majority were males under the age of 40 years and had completed postgraduation as their qualification. Among the study participants, more than half (53.8%) of the women reported being sexually active during the lockdown, whereas 41% of the men reported being sexually active. Among the sexually active participants, most women (57.7%) reported that they perceived positive emotional bonding with their partners. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference observed when compared with men. There are variations in responses. However, no significant association was identified. Conclusion: There are a few insights from the study, that is, there was no significant difference found in almost 3 countries in emotional intimacy. There had been a trend that there is improved emotional bonding with their partners, although no significant difference was observed.

Download Full-text

Physicians’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Generic Substitution in China: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18157749 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 7749

Author(s):

Mingyue Zhao ◽

Lingyi Zhang ◽

Zhitong Feng ◽

Yu Fang

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Generic Substitution ◽

Generic Drugs ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Generic Medicine ◽

Generic Medicines ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ordered Logistic Regression ◽

Tertiary Hospitals

The purpose of this study is to investigate physicians’ knowledge, attitudes and practice of generic medicine substitutions in China. We conducted a cross-sectional online questionnaire survey on physicians from secondary or tertiary hospitals in China from 2020 December to 2021 April. Descriptive statistical and ordered logistic regression were used for analysis. A total of 1225 physicians were included in the final analysis, and only 330 (26.94%) of them scored 4 or above in the knowledge part, which means that the physicians have a good knowledge of generic substitutions. Of the total, 586 (47.83%) agreed or strongly agreed that generic drugs could be substituted for originator drugs and 585 (47.75%) always or often prescribed generic medicines. The percentage of physicians with a positive attitude toward or that practice prescribing generic medicine is below 50%, which needs to be improved in China. Physicians’ knowledge, their attitude toward generic substitution, if familiar with the policy of generic substitution, and incentives for prescribing generic medicines are influencing factors for the practice of generic substitution. Our studies show that the practice of generic substitution by physicians could be improved by several measures in China. We suggested that the physicians should be taught more about the bulk-buy policy and the generic-originator equivalence evaluation policy. Moreover, government incentives to promote generic substitution should be established. Our study also suggested that physicians with less working experience and female physicians should learn more about generic substitution.

Download Full-text

Intention to Be Vaccinated for COVID-19 among Italian Nurses during the Pandemic

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050500 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 500

Author(s):

Marco Trabucco Aurilio ◽

Francesco Saverio Mennini ◽

Simone Gazzillo ◽

Laura Massini ◽

Matteo Bolcato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Efficacy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vaccine Development ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

World Health ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Effective Vaccine ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Sex

Background: While the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally, health systems are overwhelmed by both direct and indirect mortality from other treatable conditions. COVID-19 vaccination was crucial to preventing and eliminating the disease, so vaccine development for COVID-19 was fast-tracked worldwide. Despite the fact that vaccination is commonly recognized as the most effective approach, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccine hesitancy is a global health issue. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of nurses in four different regions in Italy between 20 and 28 December 2020 to obtain data on the acceptance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination in order to plan specific interventions to increase the rate of vaccine coverage. Results: A total of 531 out of the 5000 nurses invited completed the online questionnaire. Most of the nurses enrolled in the study (73.4%) were female. Among the nurses, 91.5% intended to accept vaccination, whereas 2.3% were opposed and 6.2% were undecided. Female sex and confidence in vaccine efficacy represent the main predictors of vaccine intention among the study population using a logistic regression model, while other factors including vaccine safety concerns (side effects) were non-significant. Conclusions: Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, intention to be vaccinated was suboptimal among nurses in our sample. We also found a significant number of people undecided as to whether to accept the vaccine. Contrary to expectations, concerns about the safety of the vaccine were not found to affect the acceptance rate; nurses’ perception of vaccine efficacy and female sex were the main influencing factors on attitudes toward vaccination in our sample. Since the success of the COVID-19 immunization plan depends on the uptake rate, these findings are of great interest for public health policies. Interventions aimed at increasing employee awareness of vaccination efficacy should be promoted among nurses in order to increase the number of vaccinated people.

Download Full-text

Blood Donation-Related Adverse Reactions: Results of an Online Survey among Donors in Germany (2018)

Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy ◽

10.1159/000516049 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Stefano Orru’ ◽

Kay Poetzsch ◽

Marcus Hoffelner ◽

Margarethe Heiden ◽

Markus B. Funk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Online Survey ◽

Adverse Reactions ◽

Blood Donation ◽

Age Groups ◽

Female Gender ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Logistic Analysis ◽

German Legislation

Introduction: According to German legislation, reports of suspected serious adverse reactions (AR) associated with the donation of blood and its components are continuously being evaluated by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. This survey aimed at providing a more complete picture of the AR associated with the donation of blood and blood components. Materials and Methods: Eligible donors had the opportunity to anonymously report all AR occurring during or after their last donation by completing an online questionnaire. Reported AR were classified according to the Standard for Surveillance of Complications Related to Blood Donation. Donors’ self-assessment of AR seriousness was compared with the official severity classification as laid down by German legislation. Besides a descriptive statistical analysis, a multiple logistic analysis was performed to identify risk factors for AR. Results: A total of 8,138 data records were evaluated. Slightly more males (57.9%) participated in the survey and, except for donors aged ≥60 years, all age groups were equally represented. The majority of participants were whole blood donors (85.4%), repeat donors (97.2%), and stayed under observation in the blood establishment (BE) for more than 5 min (63.1%) after donation. Most participants did not report any reaction (72.5%), whereas 2,237 reported at least one AR (27.5%), 475 of whom underwent apheresis and 1,762 donated whole blood. Most AR occurred after leaving the BE (64.4%). Only a minority of participants required medical treatment (5.1%) or assessed the experienced AR as serious (3.9%). The most frequently reported donor AR were haematoma and other local reactions (57.6%). Vasovagal reactions without and with loss of consciousness were developed in 17 and 2% of the participants, respectively, whilst 7.6% experienced citrate reactions. New AR (i.e., allergic reactions and symptoms associated with iron deficiency) were reported as well. The occurrence of AR was linked to risk factors (i.e., female gender, young age, first-time donation, and thrombocytapheresis). Discussion: This survey yielded a more comprehensive AR spectrum, revealed a prolonged time to symptom onset, and identified risk factors for AR. This novel information could be implemented in an amended informed consent addressing common and rare AR.

Download Full-text

Perceptions of the Importance of Sleep in Common Cold—Two Online Questionnaire-Based Surveys

SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine ◽

10.1007/s42399-020-00265-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (5) ◽

pp. 596-605

Author(s):

Gill Phillipson ◽

Sue Aspley ◽

Ingo Fietze

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Common Cold ◽

Western Europe ◽

Online Survey ◽

Symptom Relief ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

The Common ◽

Waking Up

Abstract Sleep deprivation affects the immune system and can render subjects more susceptible to symptoms associated with the common cold. The aim of this research was to investigate cold sufferers’ and doctors’ perceptions of the role of sleep in recovery from cold/flu. An online survey of 4000 adults who had suffered from cold/flu in the previous 12 months was conducted in eight countries and an online survey of 150 doctors was conducted in Germany. Responses were collected to questions regarding aspects of life affected by, and concerns while suffering from, cold/flu symptoms including nighttime awakening and actions taken to aid recovery. Responses were also collected to questions regarding advice given to cold/flu patients and the importance of sleep. Ability to sleep well was widely reported as negatively impacted by cold/flu (mean 46.1% of respondents across eight countries), especially in Western Europe, and inability to sleep well was a frequently reported concern associated with suffering from cold/flu (21.8%). To sleep more than usual was a frequently reported action taken to feel better (40.5%). Ninety-four percent of respondents reported waking up at night because of symptoms, cough being the most frequently reported symptom to awaken respondents. There was evidence of a possible relationship between sleep quality and medication taken at night for symptom relief. Countries with the highest proportions of respondents who reported sleep to be the aspect of life most negatively affected by a cold (France, Germany and Italy) were also those with the lowest proportions of respondents who reported that taking medications at night was the most effective way of getting back to sleep after waking due to cold symptoms. The majority of doctors believed sleep helped cold/flu patients to recover faster and that a good night’s sleep was important. Sleep is widely considered to be important in promoting recovery from cold/flu. Hence, the relief of symptoms that disrupt sleep is also likely to be important for a faster recovery.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards Covid-19 pandemic of pharmacy students in University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

MedPharmRes ◽

10.32895/ump.mpr.5.4.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 5-11

Author(s):

Quynh Diem Le ◽

Nghi Hue To ◽

Thuy Thi Thu Nguyen

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Pharmacy Students ◽

Ho Chi Minh City ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Related Factors ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Good Level ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Introduction: The rapid increase of infected cases and fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic has created a huge health crisis to the world and Vietnam in particular. Health professionals were put under massive pressure in preventing pandemic. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) during the COVID-19 disease through an online survey as well as related infection control practices among pharmacy students in the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP). Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted based on the data obtained from an online questionnaire. Correlation analysis was performed using statistical tests and linear regression model for practice. The total study sample, chosen based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria was taken from pharmacy students in UMP during the study period. Results: A scale of KAP towards COVID-19 was developed with 43 questions and received 1,089 responses. We acknowledged that the awareness and practice of these students were at a good level (with a mean score of 8.37±0.77 and 8.46±1.33, respectively) and the attitude was optimistic with a mean score of 6.22±0.68. Related factors to practice included gender (p=0.005), year of study (p=0.013); to knowledge included the time spent in university (p=0.040); to attitude included social distancing (p=0.024). Multivariable regression analysis showed that practice is related with male gender (β=-0.254; p=0.001), the first 3 school years (β = 0.173; p=0.020), knowledge score (β =0.154; p=0.003). Conclusions: Based on a constructive scale, the study noted students' knowledge-attitude-practice towards COVID-19 at a good level. School year and knowledge scores positively affected practice scores, while male students had a negative effect.

Download Full-text

Survey Research on Legal System of Floating Residence and on Management of Water Utilization in the United States: Case Study on Seattle, Washington and Sausalito, California

Volume 6: Ocean Space Utilization ◽

10.1115/omae2018-77835 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Daisuke Dobashi ◽

Akio Kuroyanagi ◽

Ryo Sugahara

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Survey Research ◽

The United States ◽

Web Survey ◽

The West ◽

Effective Utilization ◽

Water Utilization ◽

Building Standards ◽

The U.S

Effective utilization of oceanic space in Japan is just recent compared to U.S. Since the end of 19th century, water utilization and management for residence constructed on lake was promoted in U.S. It is then the aim of this paper to comprehend the laws and regulations for floating residence as well as water utilization and management of United States. Through web survey, each State in United States will be searched if there are existing laws and regulation on floating residence. After searching and reading all conditions of the U.S. States regarding laws and regulation as well as legal positions on floating residence, two states in the west coast of U.S: Seattle in Washington and Sausalito, California are chosen for this study. Floating residence in U.S. are divided into two; the Floating Homes and Houseboats. Floating Homes are handled by law the same with homes built in land while Houseboats are treated as type of ship. The State managing the water will lease it to the private sector, then, building of Floating Home will be carried out. Furthermore, design and construction of Floating Homes follow the building standards of the counties and cities where it will be built.

Download Full-text

Understanding the patient voice in gout: a quantitative study conducted in Europe

BJGP Open ◽

10.3399/bjgpopen20x101003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. bjgpopen20X101003 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marc De Meulemeester ◽

Elsa Mateus ◽

Hilda Wieberneit-Tolman ◽

Neil Betteridge ◽

Lucy Ireland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Severe Pain ◽

Online Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Social Burden ◽

Long Term Effect ◽

Key Barrier ◽

Treatment Expectation ◽

Insight Into

BackgroundAlthough commonly diagnosed, gout often remains a poorly managed disease. This is partially due to a lack of awareness of the long-term effect of gout among patients and healthcare professionals.AimTo understand unmet needs for patients and provide insight into achieving better treatment.Design & settingA quantitative online questionnaire collected from 1100 people with gout from 14 countries within Europe.MethodPatients were recruited to complete an online survey via healthcare professional (HCP) referral, patient associations, or market research panels. Patients were included if they had been diagnosed with gout by a physician. Prior to commencement, patients were made aware that this study was sponsored by Grünenthal. The responses collected were collated and analyses were performed.ResultsPatients had an average of 2.9 gout flares within a 12-month period. Although 79% of patients were satisfied with treatment, inadequate gout control was also reported by 71% of patients. Furthermore, 84% experienced moderate-to-severe pain with their most recent flare. Of those who acknowledged treatment dissatisfaction, only 24% discussed other options with their GP. Most patients reported irregular follow-up and serum uric acid (sUA) monitoring. In addition, loss of belief that more can be done was a key barrier for patients.ConclusionPatients reported severe pain and social burden, coupled with low treatment expectation and lack of awareness of target sUA. Education around knowing and reaching sUA target is needed so that patients can receive and GPs can deliver higher quality management.

Download Full-text

Assessment of Physician's Knowledge of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions: An Online Survey in China

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.650369 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Jing Yuan ◽

Chunying Shen ◽

Chengnan Wang ◽

Gang Shen ◽

Bing Han

Keyword(s):

Drug Interactions ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Least Square ◽

Common Source ◽

Potential Drug ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Source Of Information

Background: Drug interactions are the most common preventable cause of adverse drug reaction, which may result in drug toxicity or undesired therapeutic effect with harmful outcomes to patients. Given the rising use of combination therapies, the main objectives of this study were to estimate the degree to which physicians can identify potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) correctly and to describe the common source of information used by physicians when they need to check PDDIs.Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing a self-administered online questionnaire was conducted among physicians in China. Participants were asked to classify 20 drug pairs as “no interaction,” “may be used together with monitoring,” “contraindication,” and “not sure.” We also collected data on the physician's source of information and altitude toward the PDDIs. An ordinary least square regression model was performed to investigate the potential predictors of PDDI knowledge.Results: Eligible questionnaires were obtained from 618 physicians. The respondents classified correctly 6.7 out of 20 drug pairs, or 33.4% of the drug interactions investigated. The number of drug pairs recognized by respondents was ranged from 0 to 16. The percentage of physicians who recognized specific drug pairs ranged from 8.3% for no interactions between conjugated estrogens and raloxifene, to 64.0% for the interaction between dopamine and phenytoin. When the respondents want to check PDDI information, the most commonly used source of information was package inserts (n = 572, 92.6%), followed by the Internet or mobile Apps (n = 424, 68.6%), consultation with clinical pharmacists (n = 384, 62.1%), medical textbooks (n = 374, 60.5%), knowledge base in Chinese (n = 283, 45.8%), and other physicians (n = 366, 59.2%). In the multiple regression analysis, the significant predictors of a higher number of recognized drug pairs were years of practice and altitudes toward PDDIs.Conclusion: In this online survey accessing physician's ability to detect PDDIs, less than half of the drug pairs were recognized, indicating unsatisfactory level of knowledge about the clinically significant drug interactions. Continuing education and accessible electronic database can help physicians detecting PDDIs and improve drug safety.

Download Full-text