Measuring trauma and violence exposure: comparing telephone and web survey modes across two population samples.
Web-based surveys can be more efficient but may yield different results than telephone surveys, highlighting the need for careful consideration of sample representativeness.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the melanotan i (mt-i) corpusSummary and findings
This study compared telephone surveys to web-based surveys regarding trauma and violence exposure among participants aged 18-74. The telephone survey had a response rate of 25.3% (n=4,299), while the web survey had a response rate of 10.7% (n=1,074). Findings indicated differences in prevalence estimates and sample composition between the two modalities.
Abstract
<b>Background:</b> Monitoring the prevalence of violence is necessary to design adequate policies and mitigate adverse consequences. Methodological debate persists, particularly regarding survey modality for assessing violence and trauma exposure.<b>Objective:</b> This study compares interviewer-administered telephone surveys (CATI) with web-based self-administered surveys across feasibility, safety, sample representativeness, and measurement equivalence.<b>Method:</b> Participants aged 18-74 were randomly drawn from the Norwegian National Population Registry (telephone: <i>n</i> = 4,299; web: <i>n</i> = 1,074). The telephone survey achieved a 25.3% response rate among those reached, while the web survey yielded 10.7%. Using identical violence measures, data were analysed with multivariable logistic regression.<b>Results:</b> Web recruitment was considerably faster (86.2% completed in the first month vs. 2.4% by telephone) and had sixfold lower costs per interview. The CATI survey was quota-based, resulting in sample differences (men 51.1% vs. 37.0%; mean age 48.2 vs. 45.5; age 70-74: 8.9% vs. 3.3%). Several prevalence estimates were comparable, including lifetime forcible rape (7.9% vs. 8.9%), past year less severe physical violence (2.9% in both), and partner control (15.5% vs. 16.9%). Adjusted models showed lower odds in the web survey for severe adulthood physical violence (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.61-0.82) and childhood physical violence (severe aOR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.54-0.96; less severe aOR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.96). Odds were higher for image-based sexual violations in the web survey (aOR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.04-1.88), particularly among women (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.22-2.41; interaction <i>p</i> = .028). A slightly higher proportion of respondents reported distress and a need for follow-up after participation.<b>Conclusions:</b> Web-based surveys offer substantial efficiency advantages, yet differences in sample composition and variation in several prevalence estimates highlight the importance of considering representativeness, respondent safety, and reporting conditions. Mixed-mode strategies may help improve sample diversity and disclosure.
Background
The study addresses the need for effective methods to monitor violence prevalence, which is crucial for policy design. Previous research has debated the effectiveness of different survey modalities in capturing trauma and violence exposure. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of telephone versus web surveys is essential for improving data quality and representativeness.
Methods
Participants aged 18-74 were randomly selected from the Norwegian National Population Registry, with n=4,299 for telephone surveys and n=1,074 for web surveys. The study utilized multivariable logistic regression to analyze data collected through identical violence measures. The telephone survey was quota-based, while the web survey was self-administered.
Results
The primary endpoint indicated that the web survey had lower odds for severe adulthood physical violence (aOR=0.71, 95% CI 0.61-0.82) compared to the telephone survey. The web survey also showed higher odds for image-based sexual violations (aOR=1.40, 95% CI 1.04-1.88). Several prevalence estimates, such as lifetime forcible rape and past year less severe physical violence, were comparable between the two modalities.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while web surveys may be more efficient and cost-effective, the differences in sample composition and prevalence estimates raise concerns about their representativeness. The effect sizes reported, while statistically significant, may not be clinically meaningful. Limitations such as response rates and sample differences may confound the conclusions drawn from the study.
Key findings
- Telephone survey response rate 25.3% vs web survey 10.7%.
- Web recruitment completed 86.2% in the first month vs 2.4% by telephone.
- Lifetime forcible rape reported as 7.9% in telephone vs 8.9% in web survey.
- Severe adulthood physical violence odds lower in web survey (aOR=0.71, 95% CI 0.61-0.82).
- Image-based sexual violations odds higher in web survey (aOR=1.40, 95% CI 1.04-1.88).
- Distress and need for follow-up reported slightly higher after web participation.
Limitations
- Differences in sample composition between modalities.
- Low response rate for web survey at 10.7%.
- Potential confounding due to quota-based sampling in telephone survey.
- Short follow-up period for assessing distress and need for follow-up.