@Article{info:doi/10.2196/jmir.1707,
author="van den Berg, Marleen H
and Overbeek, Annelies
and van der Pal, Helena J
and Versluys, A. Birgitta
and Bresters, Dorine
and van Leeuwen, Flora E
and Lambalk, Cornelis B
and Kaspers, Gertjan J.L
and van Dulmen-den Broeder, Eline",
title="Using Web-Based and Paper-Based Questionnaires for Collecting Data on Fertility Issues Among Female Childhood Cancer Survivors: Differences in Response Characteristics",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2011",
month="Sep",
day="29",
volume="13",
number="3",
pages="e76",
keywords="Paper; Internet; questionnaire; response; fertility; cancer survivors",
abstract="Background: Web-based questionnaires have become increasingly popular in health research. However, reported response rates vary and response bias may be introduced. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sending a mixed invitation (paper-based together with Web-based questionnaire) rather than a Web-only invitation (Web-based questionnaire only) results in higher response and participation rates for female childhood cancer survivors filling out a questionnaire on fertility issues. In addition, differences in type of response and characteristics of the responders and nonresponders were investigated. Moreover, factors influencing preferences for either the Web- or paper-based version of the questionnaire were examined. Methods: This study is part of a nationwide study on reproductive function, ovarian reserve, and risk of premature menopause in female childhood cancer survivors. The Web-based version of the questionnaire was available for participants through the Internet by means of a personalized user name and password. Participants were randomly selected to receive either a mixed invitation (paper-based questionnaire together with log-in details for Web-based questionnaire, n = 137) or a Web-only invitation (log-in details only, n = 140). Furthermore, the latter group could request a paper-based version of the questionnaire by filling out a form. Results: Overall response rates were comparable in both randomization groups (83{\%} mixed invitation group vs 89{\%} in Web-only invitation group, P = .20). In addition, participation rates appeared not to differ (66{\%} or 90/137, mixed invitation group vs 59{\%} or 83/140, Web-only invitation group, P =.27). However, in the mixed invitation group, significantly more respondents filled out the paper-based questionnaire compared with the Web-only invitation group (83{\%} or 75/90 and 65{\%} or 54/83, respectively, P = .01). The 44 women who filled out the Web-based version of the questionnaire had a higher educational level than the 129 women who filled out the paper-based version (P = .01). Furthermore, the probability of filling out the Web-based questionnaire appeared to be greater for women who were allocated to the Web-only invitation group (OR = 2.85, 95{\%} CI 1.31 - 6.21), were older (OR = 1.08, 95{\%} CI 1.02 - 1.15), had a higher educational level (OR high vs low = 0.06, 95{\%} CI 0.01 - 0.52), or were students (OR employed vs student = 3.25, 95{\%} CI 1.00 - 10.56). Conclusions: Although overall response as well as participation rates to both types of invitations were similar, adding a paper version of a questionnaire to a Web-only invitation resulted in more respondents filling out the paper-based version. In addition, women who were older, had a higher level of education, or were students, were more likely to have filled out the Web-based version of the questionnaire. Given the many advantages of Web-based over paper-based questionnaires, researchers should strongly consider using Web-based questionnaires, although possible response bias when using these types of questionnaires should be taken into account. Trial Registration: Nederlands Trial Register NTR2922; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=2922 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/5zRRdMrDv) ",
issn="1438-8871",
doi="10.2196/jmir.1707",
url="http://www.jmir.org/2011/3/e76/",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.1707",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21955527"
}