MAXIMIZING RESPONSE TO SURVEYS IN HEALTH-PROGRAM EVALUATION AT MINIMUM-COST USING MULTIPLE METHODS

This article shows how the use of multiple methods of follow-up can en hance the rate of response to mail questionnaires The field design rep orted here consisted of an initial approach by mail, followed by remin der letters, telephone calls, and personal visits to nonrespondents. T his procedure resulted in accurate identification of persons who, alth ough included in the sampling fame, were not in the target population This effectively removed from the sample about 12% of initially select ed persons who were ''out-of-scope.'' The follow-up activities also in creased the response rate by persuading many initial nonrespondents to return questionnaires. The general elements of the design are suggest ed for consideration by evaluators seeking high response rates using d ata collection strategies that are realistic given the budgets availab le in small to medium size evaluations. The procedures are particularl y useful in circumstances where the sampling frame is suspected of inc luding cafes outside the scope of the study.