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Obtaining sensitive information from a wary population: A comparison of telephone and face-to-face surveys of welfare recipients in the United States

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  • Pridemore, William Alex
  • Damphousse, Kelly R.
  • Moore, Rebecca K.

Abstract

Recent studies reveal the benefits of technological developments such as audio computer assisted self-interviewing (A-CASI) in interview methodology, especially for surveys of sensitive behavior and information. However, we believe that the selection of mode of administration depends not only on the technology available and the behavior of interest, but also on the specific population under study. We therefore assess survey mode effects on reported rates of alcohol and drug use among welfare recipients, an especially important group for scholars and public health agencies. The sample consisted of adult recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) in Oklahoma, January 2001. Adjusting for demographic characteristics, employment, and education, we employ odds ratios to compare 30-day, 1 year, and lifetime prevalence estimates from telephone and face-to-face surveys. Telephone methodology yields similar or higher estimates for lifetime prevalence of alcohol, marijuana, and hard drug use and abuse, though lower estimates of recent use. We discuss our findings in relation to underfunded public health agencies that must efficiently assess and respond to local levels of drug abuse and we conclude that mode selection may depend upon the population under study.

Suggested Citation

  • Pridemore, William Alex & Damphousse, Kelly R. & Moore, Rebecca K., 2005. "Obtaining sensitive information from a wary population: A comparison of telephone and face-to-face surveys of welfare recipients in the United States," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(5), pages 976-984, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:61:y:2005:i:5:p:976-984
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elise Jones & Jacqueline Forrest, 1992. "Underreporting of abortion in surveys of U.S. women: 1976 to 1988," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 29(1), pages 113-126, February.
    2. Newman, J.C. & Des Jarlais, D.C. & Turner, C.F. & Gribble, J. & Cooley, P. & Paone, D., 2002. "The differential effects of face-to-face and computer interview modes," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(2), pages 294-297.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sofia Correia & Paulo Dinis & Francisco Rolo & Nuno Lunet, 2010. "Sampling procedures and sample representativeness in a national telephone survey: a Portuguese example," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 55(4), pages 261-269, August.
    2. Dickel, Petra & Graeff, Peter, 2018. "Entrepreneurs' propensity for corruption: A vignette-based factorial survey," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 77-86.

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