Comparison of web-based versus paper-and-pencil self-administered questionnaire: effects on health indicators in Dutch adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to investigate differences in responses related to (mental) health and behavior between two methods of data collection: web-based (web) and paper-and-pencil (p&p).


METHODS
Within each participating school all third-grade classes (mainly 14-15-year-old pupils) were randomly assigned to either the Internet condition (n=271) or the paper-and-pencil condition (n=261).


RESULTS
Significant but small differences were found for the strengths and difficulties subscales "emotional symptoms" (p&p>web) and "prosocial behavior" (p&p>web), and carrying a weapon (web>p&p). Perceived level of privacy and confidentiality did not differ between the two modes.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that in a controlled school setting, web-based administration of health indicators yields almost the same results as paper-and-pencil administration. To generalize these findings, we recommend repeated studies in other populations and settings.
Van De Looij-Jansen
Petra M
PM
Youth Department, Municipal Public Health Service for the Rotterdam Area, PO Box 70032, 3000 LP Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
De Wilde
Erik Jan
EJ
D000293:Adolescent; D003219:Confidentiality; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D009426:Netherlands; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires