Web-based survey of US health educators: challenges and lessons.
OBJECTIVE
To report the challenges and lessons learned while conducting a nationwide Web-based survey of US health educators.


METHODS
We developed a Web-based survey, entitled Health Promotion and Genetics/Genomics Survey, to assess health educators' likelihood to adopt genomic competencies into health promotion; 1924 health educators responded (adjusted response rate = 23.1%).


RESULTS
This study addresses challenges identified in the electronic surveying process: population identification, sampling, instrument design, survey implementation, and data preparation/analysis. Strategies for dealing with these challenges are proposed.


CONCLUSIONS
This practical example contributes to the further development and refinement of guidelines and best practices for Web-based surveying of US health educators.
Chen
Lei-Shih
LS
Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. l.chen@unf.edu
Goodson
Patricia
P
D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D023281:Genomics; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000379:methods; D040441:Health Educators / Q000193:education*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D011361:Professional Competence; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States