Paper- or Web-Based Questionnaire Invitations as a Method for Data Collection: Cross-Sectional Comparative Study of Differences in Response Rate, Completeness of Data, and Financial Cost

Purpose A cross-sectional web-based survey of dietitians was used to explore topics related to mobile devices and their applications (apps) in Canadian dietetic practice. Methods A survey was drafted, posted on SurveyMonkey, and pretested with dietitians and dietetic interns. Dietitians of Canada (DC), a supporter of this work, promoted the survey to members through its monthly electronic newsletters from January 2012 to April 2012. Results Of 139 dietitians who answered some survey questions, 118 finished the survey; this represents a response rate of approximately 3%. Overall, 57.3% of respondents reported app use in practice, and 54.2% had a client ask about or use a nutrition/food app. About 40.5% of respondents had recommended nutrition/food apps to clients. Respondents were enthusiastic about apps, but many described challenges with use. From the survey data, three themes emerged that can affect dietitians’ use of apps and whether they recommend apps to clients: mobile device and app factors (access to information/ tools, content quality, usability, accessibility/compatibility, and cost), personal factors (knowledge, interest, suitability, and willingness/ability to pay), and workplace factors. Conclusions Apps are now infiltrating dietetic practice. Several factors can affect dietitians’ use of apps and whether they recommend them to clients. These findings will help guide future development and use of apps in practice.

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Attitudes and Preferences Toward a Hypothetical Trial of an Internet-Administered Psychological Intervention for Parents of Children Treated for Cancer: Web-Based Survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.10085 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Joanne Woodford ◽

Anna Wikman ◽

Kim Einhorn ◽

Martin Cernvall ◽

Helena Grönqvist ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emotional Distress ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Trial Design ◽

Response Rate ◽

Psychological Intervention ◽

Psychological Support ◽

Feasibility Trial ◽

Willingness To Participate ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based

BACKGROUND Clinical trials are often challenged with issues of recruitment and retention. Little is known concerning general attitudes and preferences toward trial design and willingness to participate among parents of children treated for cancer. Furthermore, willingness to participate in internet-administered psychological interventions remains unexplored. In this study, we examined attitudes and preferences of the population regarding study procedures for a hypothetical trial of an internet-administered psychological intervention. In addition, differences in the response rate between modes of study invitation and willingness to engage in internet-administered interventions were examined. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to examine attitudes and preferences toward participating in an internet-administrated psychological intervention. The secondary objective was to examine the response rates and help-seeking behavior among parents of children treated for cancer. METHODS A cross-sectional, Web-based survey was conducted with parents of children who had completed cancer treatment. This Web-based survey examined self-reported emotional distress, prior help-seeking and receipt of psychological support, past research participation, attitudes toward research, preferences concerning recruitment procedures, and attitudes toward different types of trial design. RESULTS Of all the parents invited, 32.0% (112/350) completed the survey, with no difference in response rate between modes of study invitation (χ21=0.6, P=.45). The majority (80/112, 71.4%) of parents responded that they had experienced past emotional distress. Responses indicated high (56/112, 50.0%) or somewhat high trust in research (51/112, 45.5%), and the majority of parents would accept, or maybe accept, internet-administered psychological support if offered (83/112, 74.1%). In addition, responses showed a preference for postal study invitation letters (86/112, 76.8%), sent by a researcher (84/112, 75.0%) with additional study information provided on the Web via text (81/112, 72.3%) and video (66/112, 58.9%). Overall, parents responded that trials utilizing a waiting list control, active alternative treatment control, or a patient-preference design were acceptable. CONCLUSIONS Parents of children treated for cancer appear willing to participate in trials examining internet-administered psychological support. Findings of this study will inform the design of a feasibility trial examining internet-administered psychological support for the population.

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Is the European Health Interview Survey online yet? Response and net sample composition of a web-based data collection

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz206 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 595-601 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Elise Braekman ◽

Rana Charafeddine ◽

Stefaan Demarest ◽

Sabine Drieskens ◽

Jean Tafforeau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Mixed Mode ◽

Response Rate ◽

Web Based ◽

Health Interview Survey ◽

Health Interview ◽

Sample Composition ◽

Interview Survey ◽

European Health ◽

European Health Interview Survey

Abstract Background The European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) provides cross-national data on health status, health care and health determinants. So far, 10 of the 30 member states (MS) opted for web-based questionnaires within mixed-mode designs but none used it as the sole mode. In the context of future EHIS, the response rate and net sample composition of a web-only approach was tested. Methods A Belgian study with a target sample size of 1000 (age: 16–85) was organized using the EHIS wave 3 model questionnaire. The sample was selected according to a multistage, clustered sampling procedure with geographical stratification. Field substitution was applied; non-participating households were replaced by similar households regarding statistical sector, sex and age. There was one reminder letter and a €10 conditional incentive. Results Considering all substitutions, a 16% response rate was obtained after sending one reminder. Elderly, Brussels Capital inhabitants, people living without a partner and those with a non-Belgian nationality were less responding. By design, there were no differences between the initial and final net sample regarding substitution characteristics. Nevertheless, people living without a partner, non-Belgians and lower educated people remain underrepresented. Conclusion There was a low response rate, particularly for some population groups. The response rate was lower than those of MS using mixed-mode designs including web, especially these comprising interviewer-based approaches. Despite the long and complex questionnaire, there was a low break off rate. So far, web-only data collection is not an acceptable strategy for population-based health surveys but efforts to increase the response should be further explored.

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The Prevalence of Coworker Conflict Including Bullying in a Unionized U.S. Public Sector Workforce

Violence and Victims ◽

10.1891/0886-6708.vv-d-14-00031 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 30 (5) ◽

pp. 813-829 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Jane Lipscomb ◽

Matt London ◽

Kate M. McPhaul ◽

Mazen El Ghaziri ◽

Alyson Lydecker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Sector ◽

Participatory Action Research ◽

State Government ◽

Workplace Violence ◽

Response Rate ◽

Participatory Action ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

A Current

Workplace violence is an enormous problem worldwide; incidents where the perpetrator is a current or former employee are an important dimension. This large cross-sectional survey examined the prevalence of this problem among a U.S. state government unionized public sector workforce. Using participatory action research methods, we conducted a web-based survey of members of that workforce from a single northeast U.S. state, receiving 11,874 completed surveys (response rate: 71.8%). Overall, 10.0% of the respondents indicated that they had been bullied at work during the prior 6 months, with 71.9% of those who reported regular bullying identifying the perpetrator as a supervisor and/or top management. The prevalence of bullying was similar to the rates reported in Europe and Scandinavia (5%–30%). Those reports also identified the person(s) responsible for the behavior as being predominantly of higher status within the organization.

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Evaluation of the new ICHD-III beta cluster headache criteria

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102415607856 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (6) ◽

pp. 547-551 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

IF de Coo ◽

LA Wilbrink ◽

J Haan ◽

MD Ferrari ◽

GM Terwindt

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Cluster Headache ◽

Response Rate ◽

Headache Disorders ◽

Facial Flushing ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Additional Value ◽

Headache Patients

Aim In the revised criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-III beta) the following items are added to the diagnostic criteria of cluster headache: ipsilateral sensation of fullness in the ear and ipsilateral forehead/facial flushing. We evaluated the possible additional value of these symptoms for diagnosing cluster headache. Methods In this cross-sectional cohort study of (potential) cluster headache patients we investigated these additional symptoms using a Web-based questionnaire. Patients not fulfilling the ICHD-II criteria for cluster headache but fulfilling the ICHD-III beta criteria were interviewed. Results Response rate was 916/1138 (80.5%). Of all 573 patients with cluster headache according to ICHD-II criteria, 192 (33.5%) reported ipsilateral ear fullness and 113 (19.7%) facial flushing during attacks. There was no difference in reporting ipsilateral ear fullness and facial flushing between patients who received a diagnosis of cluster headache and patients who did not. None of the patients who did not fulfill all ICHD-II criteria could be categorized as cluster headache according to the ICHD-III beta criteria. Conclusion The results of this study do not support the addition of ear fullness and facial flushing to the new ICHD-III beta criteria.

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Different Techniques for Rubber Dam Isolation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Life and Science ◽

10.37185/lns.1.1.124 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 5

Author(s):

Syed Fatima Zahra ◽

Ajmal Yousaf ◽

Sana Ashfaq ◽

Fatima Ali ◽

Maha Aslam

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Armed Forces ◽

High Volume ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Rubber Dam ◽

Isolation Techniques ◽

Methods Of Isolation

Objective: To assess knowledge, regarding use of rubber dam during root canal treatment among dentists in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectionPlace and Duration of Study: Operative Department Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID) Rawalpindi from 1st March 2020 to 31st May 2020. Materials and Methods: A web-based questionnaire, comprising of close-ended questions in the categories of demographics, clinical experience, usage of isolation techniques and knowledge regarding rubber dam (RD) use, procedures, and contraindications was sent through internet to 387 dentists of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The response rate was 77.5%. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20, and was displayed as numbers and percentages.Results: 79 out of 300 i.e. 26.33% respondents used rubber dam in restorative and endodontic procedures. 73.3% were using other methods of isolation such as cotton rolls, saliva ejectors and high volume suction. All the respondents were aware about the importance of rubber dam. The most challenging factor for dentists (57.3%) was high influx of patients per day.Conclusion: Rubber dam is not being used commonly by participating dentists of tertiary dental hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad mainly because of high patient turnover per day, combination of cotton rolls and saliva high-volume ejector or gauze is the most common alternative to rubber dam isolation. Rubber dam isolation is highly recommended.

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Weaning Strategy of Diuretics in Outpatient Preterm Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A National Survey

American Journal of Perinatology ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1716491 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Keren Armoni Domany ◽

Israel Amirav ◽

Efraim Sadot ◽

Nir Diamant ◽

Dror Mandel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preterm Infants ◽

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ◽

Practice Patterns ◽

Response Rate ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Key Points ◽

Wide Range

Objective Long-term diuretic treatment in patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is common despite lack of data that support its use. We aimed to characterize the commonly used diuretics weaning strategies for outpatient clinically stable preterm infants with BPD. Study Design We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey among all pediatric pulmonologists and neonatologists in Israel. Questionnaire included data regarding practitioners' different diuretics-weaning practice in this population. Results The response rate for pulmonologists and neonatologists were 35/50 (70%) and 36/120 (30%), respectively. When both oxygen and diuretics are used, 59% wean oxygen first and 32% wean diuretics first. If patients are solely on diuretics, 27% discontinue instantly, 34% decrease the dosage gradually, and 34% outgrow the discharge dosage. Significantly more pulmonologists decrease the dosage gradually, while more neonatologists discontinue at once (p < 0.001). Most participants (94%) reported being unsatisfied with the existing data and guidelines regarding these issues. Conclusion Our results showed a wide range of practice patterns in the weaning strategy of diuretics in outpatient preterm infants with BPD. Pulmonologists and neonatologists differ significantly in their weaning strategy. A prospective larger controlled study to explore the outcome of gradual tapering versus discontinuation without weaning is warranted. Key Points

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Attitudes and Preferences Toward a Hypothetical Trial of an Internet-Administered Psychological Intervention for Parents of Children Treated for Cancer: Web-Based Survey

JMIR Mental Health ◽

10.2196/10085 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. e10085

Author(s):

Joanne Woodford ◽

Anna Wikman ◽

Kim Einhorn ◽

Martin Cernvall ◽

Helena Grönqvist ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emotional Distress ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Trial Design ◽

Response Rate ◽

Psychological Intervention ◽

Psychological Support ◽

Feasibility Trial ◽

Willingness To Participate ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based

Background Clinical trials are often challenged with issues of recruitment and retention. Little is known concerning general attitudes and preferences toward trial design and willingness to participate among parents of children treated for cancer. Furthermore, willingness to participate in internet-administered psychological interventions remains unexplored. In this study, we examined attitudes and preferences of the population regarding study procedures for a hypothetical trial of an internet-administered psychological intervention. In addition, differences in the response rate between modes of study invitation and willingness to engage in internet-administered interventions were examined. Objective The primary objective of this study was to examine attitudes and preferences toward participating in an internet-administrated psychological intervention. The secondary objective was to examine the response rates and help-seeking behavior among parents of children treated for cancer. Methods A cross-sectional, Web-based survey was conducted with parents of children who had completed cancer treatment. This Web-based survey examined self-reported emotional distress, prior help-seeking and receipt of psychological support, past research participation, attitudes toward research, preferences concerning recruitment procedures, and attitudes toward different types of trial design. Results Of all the parents invited, 32.0% (112/350) completed the survey, with no difference in response rate between modes of study invitation (χ21=0.6, P=.45). The majority (80/112, 71.4%) of parents responded that they had experienced past emotional distress. Responses indicated high (56/112, 50.0%) or somewhat high trust in research (51/112, 45.5%), and the majority of parents would accept, or maybe accept, internet-administered psychological support if offered (83/112, 74.1%). In addition, responses showed a preference for postal study invitation letters (86/112, 76.8%), sent by a researcher (84/112, 75.0%) with additional study information provided on the Web via text (81/112, 72.3%) and video (66/112, 58.9%). Overall, parents responded that trials utilizing a waiting list control, active alternative treatment control, or a patient-preference design were acceptable. Conclusions Parents of children treated for cancer appear willing to participate in trials examining internet-administered psychological support. Findings of this study will inform the design of a feasibility trial examining internet-administered psychological support for the population.

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Vaping-Related Adverse Events and Perceived Health Improvements: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Daily E-Cigarette Users

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168301 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8301

Author(s):

Melinda Pénzes ◽

Márta Bakacs ◽

Zoltán Brys ◽

József Vitrai ◽

Gergely Tóth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Smoking Cessation ◽

Data Collection ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Liquid Type ◽

Advanced Generation

Web-based samples of e-cigarette users commonly report significant vaping-related health improvements (HIs) and mild adverse events (AEs). This cross-sectional study with in-person interviewing data collection examined self-reported AEs and perceived HIs among Hungarian adult current daily exclusive e-cigarette (n = 65) and dual users (n = 127), and former daily e-cigarette users (n = 91) in 2018. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between reporting any AEs/HIs, vaping status, and covariates. More former users (52.7%) reported AEs than current users (39.6%; p = 0.038). Exclusive and dual daily users reported similar rates of AEs (44.6% and 37.0%, respectively; p = 0.308). More current users (46.9%) experienced HIs than former users (35.2%; p = 0.064). Exclusive daily users were more likely to report HIs than dual users (63.1% versus 38.6%; p = 0.001). Former user status and smoking cessation/reduction reasons increased the odds of reporting AEs, whereas nicotine-containing e-liquid use and older age decreased the odds of reporting AEs. Exclusive vaper status, using advanced generation devices, and smoking cessation/reduction reasons increased the odds of experiencing HIs. This study, which used a traditional data collection methodology, found a higher rate of AEs and a lower rate of HIs compared to web-based surveys. Our results highlight that experiencing AEs and HIs is affected by users’ characteristics, in addition to the device and e-liquid type.

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Impact of social media on knowledge dissemination between physicians during COVID-19 virus outbreak: A cross sectional survey

10.1101/2020.05.31.20118232 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Aliae AR Mohamed-Hussein ◽

Nahed A Makhlouf ◽

Heba A Yassa ◽

Hoda A Makhlouf

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Medical Information ◽

Response Rate ◽

Knowledge Dissemination ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Medical Crisis ◽

Use Of Social Media ◽

Source Of Information

AbstractBackgroundSocial media became an alternative platform for communicating during medical crisis as COVID-19 pandemic.Aim of the study1- to describe the use of social media by Physicians during Covid-19 outbreak 2- to determine how physicians obtain their medical information about the emerging disease 3- to determine physicians practice and how do they use the information received.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional web-based anonymous survey. Data were collected from Health Care Professional (HCPs) via fulfilling online designed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics with frequencies and percentages are presented. Results: The response rate was 66.2% (232/350). Smart phones was the most commonly used (94.8%) followed by laptops (13.4%). Facebook was used by 65.8% and WhatsApp by 52.8%. The data shared were medical newsletters (68%) and educational movies (52.2%). Source of information were mainly professional local pages (60.8%) then WHO pages (53.7%). Physicians shared trusted information (66.7%) and they confirmed the data were correct before publishing in 55.5%. They shared mainly WHO announcements and alerts (44%), professional lectures (32.1%) and 13.3% shared comics. Overall, 71% perceived lots of data about the cause of disease, clinical picture, daily spread, fatality rate and alert of the countries.ConclusionPhysicians are active users of social media. Facebook and WhatsApp are useful platforms to spread right data about diseases during pandemics. Most physicians are positive towards data published; they watch, read and disseminate trusted informations.

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