Factors associated with response to a follow-up postal questionnaire in a cohort of American Indians.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to collect pilot data on response rates to a follow-up postal questionnaire in a cohort of American Indians living in the Southwestern United States. We tested the effect of questionnaire length on response.


METHODS
Cohort members were American Indian adults aged 18 and over who completed the baseline study visit. Study participants (N=1587), cohort members who completed the baseline study visit during the first year of enrollment, were randomized into two groups to receive either an 18-page or 3-page follow-up postal questionnaire. Data were collected between October 2005 and March 2006.


RESULTS
The response rates after two questionnaire mailings and a reminder postcard were significantly higher for the short versus the long (56.2%, 48.1% p= < 0.01) questionnaire. Being female and being aged 50 or older were associated with returning a completed questionnaire. A reminder postcard and second mailing improved response by 11.7% and 13.4% respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show that a postal questionnaire can be used in a cohort of American Indians living in the Southwest, but suggest that questionnaires should be short and repeat mailings are needed.
Edwards
Sandra L
SL
Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. sandie.edwards@hsc.utah.edu
Slattery
Martha L
ML
Edwards
Alison M
AM
Sweeney
Carol
C
Murtaugh
Maureen A
MA
Palmer
Leslie E
LE
Tom-Orme
Lillian
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004522:Educational Status; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011177:Postal Service; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D015206:Southwestern United States; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult