Accession Number:

AD1038605

Title:

Assessing and adjusting for non response in the Millennium Cohort Family Study (Open Access Publisher's Version)

Descriptive Note:

Journal Article

Corporate Author:

NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER SAN DIEGO CA SAN DIEGO United States

Personal Author(s):

• Corry,Nida H.
• Williams,Christianna S.
• Battaglia,Mike
• McMaster,Hope Seib
• Stander,Valerie A.

Report Date:

2017-01-28

Pagination or Media Count:

18.0

Abstract:

Background In conducting population-based surveys, it is important to thoroughly examine and adjust for potential non-response bias to improve the representativeness of the sample prior to conducting analyses of the data and reporting findings. This paper examines factors contributing to second stage survey non-response during the baseline data collection for the Millennium Cohort Family Study, a large longitudinal study of US service members and their spouses from all branches of the military. Methods Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop a comprehensive response propensity model. Results Results showed the majority of service member sociodemographic, military, and administrative variables were significantly associated with non-response, along with various health behaviours, mental health indices, and financial and social issues. However, effects were quite small for many factors, with a few demographic and survey administrative variables accounting for the most substantial variance. Conclusions The Millennium Cohort Family Study was impacted by a number of non-response factors that commonly affect survey research. In particular, recruitment of young, male, and minority populations, as well as junior ranking personnel, was challenging. Despite this, our results suggest the success of representative population sampling can be effectively augmented through targeted oversampling and recruitment, as well as a comprehensive survey weighting strategy.

Descriptors:

• military personnel
• Family
• surveys
• department of veterans affairs
• active duty
• social problems
• bivariate analysis
• education
• warfare
• statistical analysis
• mental health
• enlisted personnel

Subject Categories:

• Military Forces and Organizations
• Statistics and Probability

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE