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. 1999 Aug;89(8):1228–1231. doi: 10.2105/ajph.89.8.1228

A population comparison of participants and nonparticipants in a health survey.

R C Klesges 1, J E Williamson 1, G W Somes 1, G W Talcott 1, H A Lando 1, C K Haddock 1
PMCID: PMC1508706  PMID: 10432911

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the characteristics of Air Force recruits willing to take part in a health survey vs those unwilling to participate. METHODS: US Air Force recruits undergoing basic military training (n = 32,144) were surveyed regarding demographic and health variables. RESULTS: Respondents indicating an unwillingness to participate in a health survey reported less healthy lifestyles than those willing to participate. Prediction equations modeling the characteristics of those engaging in 4 risky behaviors were nearly identical regardless of whether those refusing to participate were included. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that, despite some low estimates of health behaviors due to response bias, relationships between most risk factors are generally unaffected by those not responding to health surveys.

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Selected References

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