Selection bias due to non-response in a health survey among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
BACKGROUND
Non-response may lead to bias in health(care) outcomes.


METHODS
We compared respondents (n = 334) to a questionnaire survey among patients with rheumatoid arthritis with non-respondents (n = 68) and determined predictors of (non-)response. The bias in prevalence estimates of health characteristics and health care use was quantified.


RESULTS
Self-reported pain and health care utilization were the most important predictors of (non-)response with respondents experiencing pain more often and more often using specific health care services. Bias concerned especially an underestimation of 'never having pain' (60%) and 'no contact with health care services' (51%).


CONCLUSIONS
More insight into the phenomenon of non-response is important to assess disease burden and health care burden more precisely.
Rupp
Ines
I
Department of Social Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. i.rupp@amc.uva.nl
Triemstra
Mattanja
M
Boshuizen
Hendriek C
HC
Jacobi
Catharina E
CE
Dinant
Huibert J
HJ
van den Bos
Geertrudis A M
GA
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D015983:Selection Bias