Implications of the growing use of wireless telephones for health care opinion polls.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of wireless telephone substitution in a survey of health care reform opinions.


METHODS
Survey of New Jersey adults conducted by landline and wireless telephones from June 1 to July 9, 2007.


METHODS
Eighty-one survey measures are compared by wireless status. Logistic regression is used to confirm landline-wireless gaps in support for coverage reforms, controlling for population differences. Weights adjust for selection probability, complex sample design, and demographic distributions.


RESULTS
Significant differences by wireless status were found in many survey measures. Wireless users were significantly more likely to favor coverage reforms. Higher support for government-sponsored universal coverage, income-related state coverage subsidies, and an individual mandate remain after adjustment for demographic variables.


CONCLUSIONS
Opinion polls excluding wireless users are likely to understate support for coverage reforms.
Cantor
Joel C
JC
Center for State Health Policy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. jcantor@ifh.rutgers.edu
Brownlee
Susan
S
Zukin
Cliff
C
Boyle
John M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D040421:Cell Phone; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011639:Public Opinion; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult