The factors affecting response rate in survey on well-being among people with foreign origin

Abstract

Abstract Background Previous population surveys among people with foreign background (PFB) in Finland have had successful response rates (62%-66%) when using mainly face-to-face interviews. A cross-sectional population survey (FinMONIK) explored more cost-efficient ways to collect the data on PFB. Methods The data collection was conducted in Finland between May 2018 and January 2019. The random sample consisted of 12 877 (after removing over-coverage) 18-64-year-olds stratified by region. First, a letter containing a link to the online survey with 18 different language options was sent to the participants. After two reminders, the questionnaire was sent twice on paper to the non-respondents. Finally, supplementary phone interviews were carried out by multi-lingual interviewers. All the participants were able to enter in a draw to win gift cards. Results The response rate (RR) for the online survey was 34%. RR was highest for those who had lived in Finland 5 years or less (43%) and lowest among the divorced (23%) and Estonians (27%). The paper questionnaire was mostly preferred by older age groups, increasing the RR of 40-64 year-olds from 31% to 48%. Telephone interviews increased the RR by five percent points, thus making the final RR for the survey 53%. Persons born in the EU and North-America responded the most frequently (58%) whereas RR was lowest amongst the Sub-Saharan African origin migrants (47%). RR was particularly low (42%) for those who had moved to Finland at ages 0-6. Conclusions In surveys conducted amongst PFB, relatively good response rates can be obtained by using alternate methods for gathering data instead of costly and time-consuming face-to-face interview. Age and marital status seemed to affect the preference of survey format. The overall RR varied by country of origin. Key messages A good response rate can be obtained without face-to-face interviews in migrant population surveys. Migrant population surveys can be conducted more efficiently by combining a variety of methods.