Ann Epidemiol. 2014 Jan;24(1):72-4. doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2013.10.004. Epub 2013 Oct 14.

Internet and telephonic IVR mixed-mode survey for longitudinal studies: choice, retention, and data equivalency.

Verma SK¹, Courtney TK², Lombardi DA², Chang WR³, Huang YH⁴, Brennan MJ⁵, Perry MJ⁶.

Author information

1: Center for Injury Epidemiology, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, Massachusetts; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts. Electronic address: Santosh.Verma@LibertyMutual.com.
2: Center for Injury Epidemiology, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, Massachusetts; Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
3: Center for Physical Ergonomics, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, Massachusetts.
4: Center for Behavioral Sciences, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, Massachusetts.
5: Center for Injury Epidemiology, Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, Massachusetts.
6: Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, The George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services, 2100 M Street, NW Suite 203A, Washington, DC 20037.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This study examined data equivalency and loss to follow-up rates from Internet and interactive voice response (IVR) system surveys in a prospective-cohort study.

METHODS:

475 limited-service restaurant workers participating in the 12-week study were given a choice to report their weekly slipping experience by either IVR or Internet. Demographic differences, loss to follow-up, self-reported rates of slipping, and selection of first and last choices were compared.

RESULTS:

Loss to follow-up rates were slightly higher for those choosing the IVR mode. Rates of slipping and selection of first and last choices were not significantly different between survey modes. Propensity to choose an Internet survey decreased with increasing age, and was the lowest among Spanish speakers (5%) and those with less than a high school education (14%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Studies relying solely on Internet-based data collection may lead to selective exclusion of certain populations. Findings suggest that Internet and IVR may be combined as survey modalities within longitudinal studies.