Objective: To determine the effect of nonresponse bias on measures of association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and health, we asked women seen in a medical setting about their willingness to participate in telephone surveys. Methods: A total of 128 African American women seen at a community health center were asked to participate in a survey of their experiences with health, healthcare and IPV. Recent IPV was determined by reports of emotional abuse, sexual assault, or physical violence based on responses to 15 questions. Twenty-one questions about physical and mental health were included. The questionnaire also included the question "Would you take part in a telephone survey about domestic violence if you were randomly selected?" Results: Sixty-three percent of IPV victims stated they would be willing to participate in a study if randomly telephoned, versus 40% of non-abused women (p=0.014). The prevalence ratios (PRs) based on the entire sample generally were larger than PRs for the subgroup of women expressing willingness to participate in a telephone survey. Examples include heart palpitations (PR=2.4 versus PR=1.5), shortness of breath (PR=1.7 versus PR=1.0), depression (PR=3.6 versus PR=2.3) and anxiety (PR=5.5 versus PR=3.1). The only two PRs not biased toward the null change the direction of the PR, providing unstable estimates suggesting IPV may be protective. Conclusions: The measures of association between IPV and health based on data collected during telephone interviews are likely to be biased toward the null. Larger confirmatory studies are needed.
Learning Objectives: To develop understanding of nonresponse bias based on telephone survey data. To evaluate and discuss the different effects of nonresponse bias in telephone surveys
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Survey
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.