Abstract

We evaluated survey response factors (particularly initial nonresponse and survey mode) that may be associated with bias in survey research.We examined prevention-related beliefs and outcomes for initial mail survey responders (n=209), follow-up mail survey responders (n=78), and follow-up telephone survey responders (n=74). The Pearson chi-square test and analysis of variance identified beliefs and behavioral outcomes associated with survey response mode.Follow-up options to the initial mail survey improved response rates (22.0-38.0 percent). Initial mail survey responders more strongly believed topical fluoride protects teeth from cavities than others (P=0.04). A significantly larger proportion of parents completing a follow-up telephone survey (30.8 percent) refused topical fluoride for their child than those completing mail surveys (10.3-10.4 percent) (P<0.0001).Multiple mode surveys with follow-up improve response rates. Initial nonresponse and survey response mode may be associated with biases in survey research.

*Original abstract online at https://europepmc.org/article/MED/25706185

Excerpt:

Funders who supported this work.

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (1)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH National Center for Research Resources (1)

Articles referenced by this article (10)

The prevalence of dental fear and avoidance: expanded adult and recent adolescent surveys.

Gatchel RJ. J Am Dent Assoc, (5):591-593 1989. MED: 2785546

---

Evaluation of bias and logistics in a survey of adults at increased risk for oral health decrements.

Gilbert GH, Duncan RP, Kulley AM, Coward RT, Heft MW. J Public Health Dent, (1):48-58 1997. MED: 9150063

---

The estimation of patients’ views on organizational aspects of a general dental practice by general dental practitioners: a survey study.

Sonneveld RE, Wensing M, Bronkhorst EM, Truin GJ, Brands WG. BMC Health Serv Res, 263 2011. MED: 21989235

---

Complex orthognathic surgery: assessment of patient satisfaction.

Posnick JC, Wallace J. J Oral Maxillofac Surg, (5):934-942 2008. MED: 18423283

---

Oral prostheses and oral health-related quality of life: a survey study of an adult Swedish population.

Bagewitz IC, Soderfeldt B, Palmqvist S, Nilner K. Int J Prosthodont, (2):132-142 2007. MED: 17455432

---

Parent satisfaction with emergency dental treatment at a children’s hospital.

Quinby DJ, Sheller B, Williams BJ, Grembowski D. J Dent Child (Chic), (1):17-23 2004. MED: 15272650

---

Esthetics and smile characteristics from the layperson’s perspective: a computer-based survey study.

Ker AJ, Chan R, Fields HW, Beck M, Rosenstiel S. J Am Dent Assoc, (10):1318-1327 2008 . MED: 18832267

---

Response rate and measurement differences in mixed-mode surveys using mail, telephone, interactive voice response (IVR) and the Internet

Dillman. Soc Sci Res, (1) 2009

---

Caregivers who refuse preventive care for their children: the relationship between immunization and topical fluoride refusal.

Chi DL. Am J Public Health, (7):1327-1333 2014. MED: 24832428

---

Associations between housing instability and food insecurity with health care access in low-income children.

Ma CT, Gee L, Kushel MB. Ambul Pediatr, (1):50-57 2008. MED: 18191782

---

Print PDF