Dataset Information

Improving survey response rates from parents in school-based research using a multi-level approach.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While schools can provide a comprehensive sampling frame for community-based studies of children and their families, recruitment is challenging. Multi-level approaches which engage multiple school stakeholders have been recommended but few studies have documented their effects. This paper compares the impact of a standard versus enhanced engagement approach on multiple indicators of recruitment: parent response rates, response times, reminders required and sample characteristics.

Methods

Parents and teachers were distributed a brief screening questionnaire as a first step for recruitment to a longitudinal study, with two cohorts recruited in consecutive years (cohort 1 2011, cohort 2 2012). For cohort 2, additional engagement strategies included the use of pre-notification postcards, improved study materials, and recruitment progress graphs provided to school staff. Chi-square and t-tests were used to examine cohort differences.

Results

Compared to cohort 1, a higher proportion of cohort 2 parents responded to the survey (76% versus 69%; p < 0.001), consented to participate (71% versus 56%; p < 0.001), agreed to teacher participation (90% versus 82%; p < 0.001) and agreed to follow-up contact (91% versus 80%; p < 0.001). Fewer cohort 2 parents required reminders (52% versus 63%; p < 0.001), and cohort 2 parents responded more promptly than cohort 1 parents (mean difference: 19.4 days, 95% CI: 18.0 to 20.9, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These results illustrate the value of investing in a relatively simple multi-level strategy to maximise parent response rates, and potentially reduce recruitment time and costs.

SUBMITTER: Schilpzand EJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4427481 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Improving survey response rates from parents in school-based research using a multi-level approach.

Schilpzand Elizabeth J EJ Sciberras Emma E Efron Daryl D Anderson Vicki V Nicholson Jan M JM

PloS one 20150511 5

<h4>Background</h4>While schools can provide a comprehensive sampling frame for community-based studies of children and their families, recruitment is challenging. Multi-level approaches which engage multiple school stakeholders have been recommended but few studies have documented their effects. This paper compares the impact of a standard versus enhanced engagement approach on multiple indicators of recruitment: parent response rates, response times, reminders required and sample characteristi ...[more]

PMID: 25961851

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Dataset Information

Improving survey response rates from parents in school-based research using a multi-level approach.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Improving survey response rates from parents in school-based research using a multi-level approach.

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