Abstract
BackgroundA continuously operating survey can yield advantages in survey management, field operations, and the provision of timely information for policymakers and researchers. We describe the key features of the sample design of the New Zealand (NZ) Health Survey, which has been conducted on a continuous basis since mid-2011, and compare to a number of other national population health surveys.MethodsA number of strategies to improve the NZ Health Survey are described: implementation of a targeted dual-frame sample design for better Māori, Pacific, and Asian statistics; movement from periodic to continuous operation; use of core questions with rotating topic modules to improve flexibility in survey content; and opportunities for ongoing improvements and efficiencies, including linkage to administrative datasets.Results and discussionThe use of disproportionate area sampling and a dual frame design resulted in reductions of approximately 19%, 26%, and 4% to variances of Māori, Pacific and Asian statistics respectively, but at the cost of a 17% increase to all-ethnicity variances. These were broadly in line with the survey’s priorities. Respondents provided a high degree of cooperation in the first year, with an adult response rate of 79% and consent rates for data linkage above 90%.ConclusionsA combination of strategies tailored to local conditions gives the best results for national health surveys. In the NZ context, data from the NZ Census of Population and Dwellings and the Electoral Roll can be used to improve the sample design. A continuously operating survey provides both administrative and statistical advantages.
Highlights
A continuously operating survey can yield advantages in survey management, field operations, and the provision of timely information for policymakers and researchers
A combination of strategies tailored to local conditions gives the best results for national health surveys
The sample size was approximately 12,000 adults and 4,000 children for the three-yearly health survey with collection generally spread over a calendar year
Summary
A continuously operating survey can yield advantages in survey management, field operations, and the provision of timely information for policymakers and researchers. We describe the key features of the sample design of the New Zealand (NZ) Health Survey, which has been conducted on a continuous basis since mid-2011, and compare to a number of other national population health surveys. National health surveys represent a significant expense in absolute terms. This expense is dwarfed by the cost of running a national hospital system or widespread health promotion and education activities, surveys still need to demonstrate that they add value to these services commensurate with their cost. The Ministry contracted the field operations for the 2011-2015 period to a survey company, CBG Health Research Ltd, and sample design and technical statistical aspects to the University of Wollongong
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