Predictors of Non-Response to a Questionnaire Survey of a Volunteer Twin Panel: Findings from the Australian 1989 Twin Cohort

A C Heath; W Howells; K M Kirk; P A F Madden; K K Bucholz; E C Nelson; W S Slutske; Dixie J Statham; N G Martin

doi:10.1375/1369052012182

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Predictors of Non-Response to a Questionnaire Survey of a Volunteer Twin Panel: Findings from the Australian 1989 Twin Cohort

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Predictors of Non-Response to a Questionnaire Survey of a Volunteer Twin Panel: Findings from the Australian 1989 Twin Cohort

A C Heath, W Howells, K M Kirk, P A F Madden, K K Bucholz, E C Nelson, W S Slutske, Dixie J Statham and N G Martin

Twin Research and Human Genetics, Vol.4(2), pp.73-80

2001

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1375/1369052012182

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Abstract

Genetics

Clinical Sciences

Cognitive Sciences

twins

human genetics

behavior genetics

health surveys

Questionnaire surveys, while more economical, typically achieve poorer response rates than interview surveys. We used data from a national volunteer cohort of young adult twins, who were scheduled for assessment by questionnaire in 1989 and by interview in 1996-2000, to identify predictors of questionnaire non-response. Out of a total of 8536 twins, 5058 completed the questionnaire survey (59% response rate), and 6255 completed a telephone interview survey conducted a decade later (73% response rate). Multinomial logit models were fitted to the interview data to identify socioeconomic, psychiatric and health behaviour correlates of non-response in the earlier questionnaire survey. Male gender, education below University level, and being a dizygotic rather than monozygotic twin, all predicted reduced likelihood of participating in the questionnaire survey. Associations between questionnaire response status and psychiatric history and health behaviour variables were modest, with history of alcohol dependence and childhood conduct disorder predicting decreased probability of returning a questionnaire, and history of smoking and heavy drinking more weakly associated with non-response. Body-mass index showed no association with questionnaire non-response. Despite a poor response rate to the self-report questionnaire survey, we found only limited sampling biases for most variables. While not appropriate for studies where socioeconomic variables are critical, it appears that survey by questionnaire, with questionnaire administration by telephone to non-responders, will represent a viable strategy for gene-mapping studies requiring that large numbers of relatives be screened.

Details

Title: Predictors of Non-Response to a Questionnaire Survey of a Volunteer Twin Panel: Findings from the Australian 1989 Twin Cohort
Authors: A C Heath (Author) - Washington University, United States
W Howells (Author) - Washington University, United States
K M Kirk (Author) - Queensland Institute of Medical Research
P A F Madden (Author) - Washington University, United States
K K Bucholz (Author) - Washington University, United States
E C Nelson (Author) - Washington University, United States
W S Slutske (Author) - University of Missouri, United States
Dixie J Statham (Author) - Queensland Institute of Medical Research
N G Martin (Author) - Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Publication details: Twin Research and Human Genetics, Vol.4(2), pp.73-80
Publisher: Australian Academic Press Pty. Ltd.
Date published: 2001
DOI: 10.1375/1369052012182
ISSN: 1832-4274
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449993702621
Output Type: Journal article

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