title: An internet-based survey method for college student drinking research.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe and assess the utility of an Internet-based survey method for characterizing the alcohol consumption of college students. After extensive pilot research, a random sample of 1910 students aged 16-29 years was invited to complete a questionnaire, consisting of a series of web-pages linked to a relational database on a secure web-site. A branch structure allowed for tailoring of survey items by age and gender. The students received up to nine contacts, including a pre-notice letter with a token gift and an e-mail invitation (Phase 1), a reminder letter and e-mail message (Phase 2), and then telephone reminders and replacement access codes (Phase 3). Non-computer-users were offered a pen-and-paper alternative, making this a mixed-mode survey. The overall response to the survey was 82% (n = 1564). The median completion time was 16.7 min. Participants' comments showed high levels of satisfaction with the survey. Comparison of web (n = 1501) versus pen-and-paper completions (n = 63) revealed no modality effects. Technical problems addressed during the course of implementation included web-browser-operating system incompatibilities, and periodic network errors, although these resulted in little lost participation. Internet-based surveys are feasible for college student research and with carefully managed recruitment, can yield a high response.
authors.affiliation: School of Medical Practice and Population Health, University of Newcastle, c/o Hunter Population Health, Locked Bag 10, Newcastle, Wallsend 2287, NSW, Australia. kypros.kypri@hunter.health.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Kypros
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kypri
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.forename: Martine L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Cashell-Smith
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards; D011897:Random Allocation; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*