Balancing quality and cost for Adult Tobacco Telephone Surveys.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the ability to cost-effectively coordinate Adult Tobacco Survey stakeholder interests while reducing the risk of potential bias.


METHODS
Key smoking indicators were compared across 2 surveys and analyzed based on modifications to calling protocols.


RESULTS
Mixed results were found when comparing smoking rates across 2 surveys, by early, mid, and late respondents, and by the number of rufusals. Significant cost sayings can be obtained by reducing the number of telephone call attempts.


CONCLUSIONS
Few significant differences may encourage reductions in protocol, but this must be weighed against the possibility of cost-saving measures resulting in biased estimates.
Fernandez
Barbara M
BM
ORC Macro, Burlington, VT 05401, USA. Barbara.M.Fernandez@orcmacro.com
Hannah
Kristie M
KM
Wallack
Randal S Zu
RS
Hicks
Jennifer K D
JK
Gorrigan
Anne M
AM
Mariolis
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D015982:Bias; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D045808:Refusal to Participate; D012107:Research Design; D035842:Research Subjects / Q000191:economics; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013689:Telephone / Q000191:economics; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology