Mail Questionnaire Research Articles

Markov chain Monte Carlo approach to the analysis of response patterns in data collection process

Survey research, such as telephone, mail, or online questionnaires, is one of the most widely used tools for collecting sample data. We are often interested in the total number of replies that would be received during a given time period. Many researchers have developed a wide variety of curve-fitting methods to predict the response rate of recipients over time. However, previous models are based on some assumptions that are hardly justified in practice. In this paper, a new response model is proposed that is based on meaningful parameters such as the ultimate response rate of questionnaire recipients, delay rate of respondents, and average delivery time of responses. To estimate those model parameters, we use the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, which is increasingly popular in the operational research community. With mail survey data in marketing research, we test our Bayesian response model and compare its performance with those of traditional curve-fitting models.

Association of Parkinson’s disease status with accelerometer-derived physical activity and sedentary behavior in older women: The Women’s Health Study (WHS)

Evidence suggests that individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) spend less time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) compared to those without PD. However, prior studies primarily included men and did not consider movement across the entire intensity spectrum. To address these gaps, the association of PD status with total volume physical activity and time spent in sedentary, low light-intensity physical activity (LLPA), high light-intensity physical activity (HLPA), and MVPA among older women was examined. This is a cross-sectional analysis of 17,466 ambulatory women enrolled in the Women’s Health Study (WHS) with a median (IQR) age of 70 (67–75) years who were asked to wear an accelerometer for 7 days from 2011 to 2015 for the ancillary study. Reported PD status was assessed via annual mail-in questionnaires prior to device wear. Compared to those without PD (n = 16,661), PD (n = 80) was associated with 98,400 fewer vector magnitude (VM) counts per day and with spending an average of 23.2 more minutes per day sedentary and 10.5 more minutes per day in LLPA. Further, PD was associated with spending 6.4 and 27.3 fewer minutes per day in HLPA and MVPA, respectively, compared to women without PD. PD in women is associated with more daily sedentary time and less time spent in health-enhancing physical activity. Prevention strategies to promote physical activity should be emphasized to enhance health and limit progression of disability in women living with PD.

Intakes of unprocessed and minimally processed and ultra-processed food are associated with diet-quality in female and male health professionals in the United States: a prospective analysis.

High unprocessed and minimally processed food (UMP) intake has been associated with high-quality diets, while the opposite has been shown for ultra-processed food (UPF). Nevertheless, the association between UMP and UPF consumption and diet-quality over the long-term warrants further examination. This study aimed to assess whether UMP and UPF intake are associated with three diet-quality metrics in female and male health professionals from two US cohorts over three decades of follow-up. This is a cohort study, including data from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), from 1986-2010 (n = 51,956) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) from 1986-2006 (n = 31,307). /setting: Participants were invited in 1976 (NHS) and 1986 (HPFS) to respond to mailed questionnaires every 2-4 years and diet was assessed with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire every 4 years. UMP and UPF intake were calculated using the NOVA classification. Generalized estimating equations for marginal means and repeated cross-sectional associations between diet-quality metrics and quintiles of UMP and UPF. Diets were assessed every four years from 1986 to 2010. With increasing quintiles of UMP intakes, the AHEI-2010 increased 7.1% (3.80 points [95%CI 3.66; 3.93]) in the NHS and 10.1% (5.75 points [95%CI 5.52; 5.98]) in the HPFS; the aMED increased 11.7% (0.50 points [95%CI 0.47; 0.52]) in the NHS and 14.0% (0.64 points [95%CI 0.60; 0.68]) in the HPFS; and the DASH-diet score increased 7.5% (1.81 points [95%CI 1.76; 1.87]) in the NHS and 10.6% (2.66 points [95%CI 2.57; 2.76]) in the HPFS. In the fifth quintile of UPF intake compared with the first, the AHEI-2010 was -9.3% (-4.60 points [95%CI -4.73; -4.47]) lower in the NHS and -13.7% (-6.89 points [95%CI -7.12; -6.66]) lower in the HPFS; the aMED was -14.7% (-0.55 points [95%CI -0.57; -0.53]) lower in the NHS and -19.0% (-0.74 points [95%CI -0.78; -0.70]) lower in the HPFS; and the DASH-diet score was -8.1% (-1.81 points [95%CI -1.86; -1.76]) lower in the NHS and -12.8% (-2.84 points [95%CI -2.93; -2.74]) lower in the HPFS. Consumption of UMP was associated with better dietary quality, while consumption of UPF was associated with poorer dietary quality.

Effect of enterprise risk management on firms’ outcomes with the moderating effect of knowledge management

PurposeThis study aims to test the effects of enterprise risk management (ERM) on firms’ outcomes and the moderating role of knowledge management (KM) on ERM–firms’ outcomes relationship.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via a questionnaire survey among public listed companies on the principal stock exchange market in Malaysia. A total of 124 questionnaires were received by mail questionnaire. The results were examined through structural equation modelling and partial least squares.FindingsThe outcomes specified that ERM has a positive and noteworthy influence on firms’ outcomes, and KM has a moderating influence on the correlation among ERM and firms’ outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualities, procedures and laws of the Malaysian corporations chosen as the sample firms, as well as their regulations, may not be representative of all other countries. Moreover, this study considered only one variable as a moderator, while there are many variables that different studies can consider as moderator or mediators.Practical implicationsThe results of this research imply that employees’ awareness and knowledge of events, opportunities and risk, along with their engagement in the institute’s strategy, are critical for risk management and controlling. For the managers, the results of this research can be helpful to their businesses by identifying the effective KM capability that may enhance their positive outcomes. Managers and organizations can use KM as an instrument to increase ERM effect on firms’ outcomes.Social implicationsKM and ERM are both significant intangible resources that are hard to imitate and are uniquely specified programs, which are important contributors to firm success in the long run. Moreover, the contingency theory of ERM was proved through the results of this study as it was identified in the public companies, that implementation of ERM as a strategic management practice, by organizations along with an effective KM may enhance the achievement of objectives and outcomes.Originality/valueThis study helps to measure ERM comprehensively and how intangible assets such as KM can affect the comprehensive risk management process and its effectiveness.

Evaluation of risk factors for recurrent renal stone formation among Saudi Arabian patients: Comparison with first renal stone episode.

We evaluated the baseline characteristics, and risk factors of renal stone recurrence among Saudi Arabian patients after successful primary stone treatment. In this cross-sectional comparative study, we reviewed the medical records of patients who presented consecutively with a first renal stone episode from 2015 to 2021 and were followed-up by mail questionnaire, telephone interviews, and/or outpatient clinic visit. We included patients who achieved stone-free status after primary treatment. Patients were divided into two groups: group I (patients with first episode renal stone) and group Ⅱ (patients who developed renal stone recurrence). The study outcomes were to compare the demographics of both groups and to evaluate the risk factors of renal stone recurrence after successful primary treatment. We used Student's t-test, Mann Whitney test or chi-square (x2) to compare variables between groups. Cox regression analyses were used to examine the predictors. We investigated 1260 participants (820 males and 440 females). Of this number, 877 (69.6%) didn't develop renal stone recurrence and 383 (30.4%) had recurrence. Primary treatments were percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), surgery and medical treatment in 22.5%, 34.7%, 26.5%, 10.3%, and 6%, respectively. After primary treatment, 970 (77%) and 1011 (80.2%) of patients didn't have either stone chemical analysis or metabolic work-up, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender (OR: 1.686; 95% CI, 1.216-2.337), hypertension (OR: 2.342; 95% CI, 1.439-3.812), primary hyperparathyroidism (OR: 2.806; 95% CI, 1.510-5.215), low fluid intake (OR: 28.398; 95% CI, 18.158-44.403) and high daily protein intake (OR: 10.058; 95% CI, 6.400-15.807) were predictors of renal stone recurrence. Male gender, hypertension, primary hyperparathyroidism, low fluid intake and high daily protein intake increase the risk of renal stone recurrence among Saudi Arabian patients.

Predictors of prospective suicide attempts in a group at risk of personality disorder following self-poisoning.

Patients with personality disorder (PD) are at risk for suicidal behavior and are frequently admitted for this reason to emergency departments. In this context, researchers have tried to identify predictors of their suicidal acts, however, the studies have been mostly retrospective, and uncertainty remains. To prospectively explore factors associated with suicide attempts (SA) in individuals screened for PD from the ecological context of emergencies. Patients were recruited from two emergency departments after a self-poisoning episode (n = 310). PDQ-4+ (risk of PD), TAS-20 (alexithymia), SIS (suicidal intent), H (hopelessness), BDI-13 (depression), AUDIT (alcohol consumption), and MINI (comorbidity) questionnaires were completed. SA over the subsequent two years were identified by mailed questionnaires and hospitals' active files. Logistic regression analyses were performed. Having a previous suicidal attempt was linked to a 2.7 times higher chance of recurrence after 6 months, whereas the TAS-20 showed a 1.1 times higher risk at 18 months (OR = 1.1) and the BDI at 24 months (OR = 1.2). Each one-unit increment in TAS-20 and BDI-13 scores increased the risk of SA by 9.8 and 20.4% at 18 and 24 months, respectively. Some clinical features, such as alcohol dependence, suicide intent, and hopelessness, may not be reliable predictors of SA among PD patients. However, in the short term, previous SA and, in the long term, depression and alexithymia may be the most robust clinical predictors to consider in our sample of patients with self-poisoning SA.Clinical trial registration: [ClinicalTrials.gov], NCT00641498 24/03/2008 [#2006-A00450-51].

Survey results on the status of implementation of population approach projects for fathers across Japan by their municipalities

Objectives This study aimed to examine the status of implementation and details of population-based approach projects that primarily target fathers nationwide. It also seeked to discuss the possibility of providing childcare support to fathers in the community.Methods This study analyzed the overall results of two surveys undertaken. The primary survey was conducted between December, 2020 and February, 2021 by administering a mail questionnaire within 1,741 municipalities across Japan. A secondary interview survey was then conducted from August to September, 2021, among the municipalities that responded that they are "implementing projects mainly for fathers," and those that obtained consent to participate in this survey.Results The 837 municipalities (response rate = 48.1%) that responded to the primary survey were included in the analysis. Many municipalities provided paternal and family support in addition to childcare support for mothers, at the time of issuing maternal and child health handbooks and in parent classes. This support was inclusive of distributing leaflets and pamphlets for fathers (P=0.036), encouraging fathers to participate in parent classes (P<0.001), setting dates and times that are easy for fathers to participate in (P<0.001), and including content for fathers (P<0.001). There were significantly more responses from local governments of the municipalities with a total population of 70,000 or more. The number of municipalities that "implemented childcare support that primarily targeted fathers instead of mothers" was 54 or 6.5% of the total. However, about 70% of the municipalities that had not implemented such programs recognized the need for their implementation. In the 21 municipalities where the interviews were conducted, there were 10 projects implemented during pregnancy, 12 during the childcare period after delivery, and 1 implemented across both. The contents of the implemented programs varied widely, with each municipality devising its own programs based on regional characteristics, which had generally favorable evaluations from the participants. In contrast, many municipalities mentioned that the small number of participants was an issue.Conclusion Although fathers are encouraged to participate in childcare and housework within households, it is rare for them to be given opportunities to gain the required knowledge and skills. Most projects provide support for fathers as supporters of mothers. Going forward, in addition to surveys targeting fathers, there is a need to present project models that can be implemented by the local governments.

Perceptions toward issues in cancer care for people with mental illness among psychiatric care providers: A questionnaire study.

To reduce cancer care disparities in people with mental illness, this study aimed to quantify psychiatric care providers' perceptions regarding issues that are insufficiently addressed or difficult to address. Psychiatric care providers at 23 psychiatric hospitals in Japan were surveyed using mail questionnaires. Respondents were asked to rate 15 items with four categories related to insufficiencies/difficulties in cancer care for patients with mental illness on a five-point Likert scale. We analyzed the proportion of respondents who answered "insufficient/difficult" for each item. A total of 255 (76.3%) psychiatric care providers responded. For questions related to the skills and attitudes of psychiatric professionals, 48.3%-58.4% of respondents perceived that efforts for supporting cancer screening and treatment were insufficient. For the questions related to collaborations between cancer and psychiatric care providers, 75.3% of respondents perceived that inpatient visits between psychiatric and cancer hospitals were insufficient. For the questions related to in-psychiatric-hospital medical systems, 50.2%-87.2% of respondents perceived that support for screening, diagnosis/treatment, and palliative care for psychiatric inpatients were insufficient/difficult. 41.9%-57.4% of respondents perceived that social services in the community were insufficient. This study clarified the level of insufficiency/difficulty perceived by psychiatric care providers regarding issues related to cancer care for people with mental illness. Psychiatric care providers are required to have knowledge and skills in cancer screening and treatment. To improve access to cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative care, it may be helpful to establish systems to promote coordination between cancer hospitals and psychiatric hospitals.

Relationship Between Preoperative Psoas Major Muscle Quality and Forgotten Joint Score-12 in Patients After Total Hip Arthroplasty

There are limited reports on the factors affecting the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) in patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the quantity and quality of the preoperative psoas muscle are related to the FJS-12 in post-THA patients. This retrospective cohort study used mailed questionnaires and medical records. Questionnaires containing the FJS-12 were mailed to 752 patients who underwent THA at our hospital between April 2015 and August 2020. The quantity and quality of the psoas major muscle were measured by computed tomography. The association between FJS-12 and the quantity and quality of the psoas major muscle was assessed by logistic regression analysis adjusted for potentially relevant factors. In total, 484 patients were included in the analysis. The FJS-12 score of the analyzed subjects was 75 points. Poor psoas major muscle quality was associated with a poor group of patients scoring <50 on the FJS-12. This association was independent of the adjustment factors. However, the quantity of psoas muscle was not associated. The quality of the psoas major muscle is associated with FJS-12. In the rehabilitation of patients undergoing THA, focusing on the quality of the psoas major muscle may help achieve the ultimate goal.

The association between night shift work and breast cancer risk in the Finnish twins cohort

Breast cancer is highly prevalent yet a more complete understanding of the interplay between genes and probable environmental risk factors, such as night work, remains lagging. Using a discordant twin pair design, we examined the association between night shift work and breast cancer risk, controlling for familial confounding. Shift work pattern was prospectively assessed by mailed questionnaires among 5,781 female twins from the Older Finnish Twin Cohort. Over the study period (1990–2018), 407 incident breast cancer cases were recorded using the Finnish Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for potential confounders. Within-pair co-twin analyses were employed in 57 pairs to account for potential familial confounding. Compared to women who worked days only, women with shift work that included night shifts had a 1.58-fold higher risk of breast cancer (HR = 1.58; 95%CI, 1.16–2.15, highest among the youngest women i.e. born 1950–1957, HR = 2.08; 95%CI, 1.32–3.28), whereas 2-shift workers not including night shifts, did not (HR = 0.84; 95%CI, 0.59–1.21). Women with longer sleep (average sleep duration > 8 h/night) appeared at greatest risk of breast cancer if they worked night shifts (HR = 2.91; 95%CI, 1.55–5.46; Pintx=0.32). Results did not vary by chronotype (Pintx=0.74). Co-twin analyses, though with limited power, suggested that night work may be associated with breast cancer risk independent of early environmental and genetic factors. These results confirm a previously described association between night shift work and breast cancer risk. Genetic influences only partially explain these associations.

Factors Related to Physical Activity among Older Adults Who Relocated to a New Community after the Kumamoto Earthquake: A Study from the Viewpoint of Social Capital.

Previous studies have shown an association between social capital and physical activity in older adults. Older adults who relocated after the Kumamoto earthquake may become physically inactive, and the extent of this inactivity may be buffered by social capital. Accordingly, this study applied the social capital perspective to examine factors that affect the physical activity of older adults who relocated to a new community after the Kumamoto earthquake. We conducted a self-administered mail questionnaire survey with 1494 (613 male, 881 female, mean age 75.12 ± 7.41 years) evacuees from temporary housing in Kumamoto City, aged 65 years and above, who relocated to a new community after the earthquake. We performed a binomial logistic regression to examine the factors affecting participants' physical activity. The results showed that physical inactivity (decreased opportunities for physical activity, decreased walking speed, and no exercise habits) was significantly associated with non-participation in community activities, lack of information about community activities, and being aged 75 years and over. Lack of social support from friends was significantly associated with lack of exercise habits. These findings encourage participation in community activities, alongside giving and receiving social support in health activities that target older adults who relocated to new communities after the earthquake.

The impact of audit data analytics on audit quality and audit review continuity in Thailand

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to examine the impact of audit data analytics (ADA) on audit quality (AQ) and audit review continuity (ARC).Design/methodology/approachUsing 452 CPAs in Thailand as samples, mail questionnaires were used and sent to collect the data. Descriptive analysis, correlation matrix and path analysis were used to analyze the data.FindingsThe results of this study indicated that audit data analytics had a positive impact on AQ and ARC. Cybersecurity, used as a moderator in this study, was found to be the interaction between ADA, AQ and review continuity.Practical implicationsAuditors and audit firms can consider using big data in their data analytics to improve AQ and ARC.Originality/valueResource advantage theory has been used in this study to explain the impact of ADA on AQ and ARC in Thailand.

A cross-sectional comparative study of anxiety and depression among doctors working in covid care centres during the first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Background: Doctors are at significant risk of developing psychological morbidity during the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic due to the shortage of resources and changing medical protocols. The fear, stigma, prejudice, and marginalization toward COVID-19 added with the physical discomfort of using personal protective equipment kits leads to mental exhaustion among doctors. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate and compare the prevalence and level of anxiety and depression along with its risk factors among doctors working in COVID Care centers during the COVID-19 pandemic’s First and Second wave. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study among 200 doctors working in the COVID care centers using mailed questionnaires was conducted. A convenient sampling method was used to include the study participants. Collected data were entered in an MS Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the observed prevalence of the symptoms of depression and anxiety respectively among doctors was 42% and 56% whereas it increased to 83% and 82%, respectively, during the second wave. Conclusion: The present study highlighted the high prevalence of anxiety and depression among doctors. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep the world, the global doctors’ community have to be sensitized to the prevalence of psychological disorders and a necessary appropriate psychological support strategy needs to be developed.

Factors related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Denmark: A national study in the autumn of 2021.

The novelty of the COVID-19 pandemic and fast-developed vaccines may increase concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine and thereby influence vaccine hesitancy. The aims of this study were to examine (a) the main reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and (b) factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. A nationwide survey was conducted in the autumn of 2021 when most Danes had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The sample (N=13,570) was based on a random selection of individuals (⩾15 years), and data were collected via self-administered mailed questionnaires (digital and physical). The participants were asked whether they had been vaccinated against COVID-19, and if they had not, they were asked about their reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. In all, 5,384 (39.7%) individuals completed the questionnaire. The main reasons for vaccine hesitancy were worries about adverse effects (57.6%) and the belief that natural immunity is better than vaccination (43.8%). Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy included female sex, younger age, being divorced, a country of origin other than Denmark, lower educational level, being unemployed, previously infected with COVID-19 and being worried to a greater extent about oneself and others getting infected. Mental health indicators were not associated with vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is likely to pose a challenge for population immunity. To reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination uptake, future vaccination programmes should focus on specific socio-demographic subgroups identified in this study.

Transition (From Sport) Experiences of Former National Football League Players: An NFL-LONG Study

Transition from professional football life has important implications for the health and well-being of former National Football League (NFL) players. The study purpose was to examine former NFL players’ experiences of transitioning from sport including factors that helped and factors that made transition difficult. This study used a convenience sample of former NFL players drawn from a larger study of health and function. Participants included 1,784 former NFL players, mean age = 52.3 ± 16.3 years, 59% White, and a discontinuation mean of 24.0 ± 15.6 years after leaving the league. Participants responded to open-ended transition questions via mail or electronic questionnaire with responses analyzed using conceptual content analysis. The most frequently reported factors that helped transition included career transition plan/options (48%) and social support (40%). Whereas, structure- (33%) and identity-related (23%) difficulties were reported as factors that made transition difficult. Findings identify areas for targeted interventions to enhance NFL player well-being during transition from sport.

Exploring the Trust &amp; Behavior Intention towards Customer Satisfaction in Banking Industry Chennai

We aim to discover the trust and satisfaction level of the banking customers in Chennai by collection of samples from 171 respondents (holding accounts in both public and private sector banks) through a structured mailed questionnaire by adopting snowball sampling technique. Technology acceptance model is used to establish the relationship between the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use through SPSS software.

Stress Management in Job and its Impact on Employee Performance: A case of the Hotels and Restaurants in Surkhet Valley

The main objective of this paper was to study the causes of stress on the hotel and restaurant employees in Surkhet valley. In addition to this, it focuses on the techniques of stress management and its impact on employee performance. Descriptive research design was applied in this research and primary data was collected through the questionnaire, which includes the personal interview, mail questionnaire, telephone interview and Google Form. There were 150 respondents. among them 83 were from hotel and 67 were from restaurants. The finding of the study concluded that unhealthy working environment was the primary causes of the stress in hotel and restaurant industry. To overcome such stress majority of the respondents, prefer to listen music and this study also find that there is an inverse relationship between stress and the employee performance.

Influence of ADHD, especially attention-deficit characteristics, on the course of alcohol-dependent individuals

BackgroundWhile several studies have revealed that neurodevelopmental disorders have a high probability of overlapping with substance use disorders, the effects of neurodevelopmental disorders on the courses of substance use disorders have hardly been examined.MethodsThis study targeted 637 alcohol-dependent individuals who received inpatient treatment and whose drinking situations were followed for 12 months after hospital discharge using mailed questionnaires. The comorbidity of psychiatric disorders and the characteristics associated with the neurodevelopmental disorders were assessed using several measurements at the time of hospital admission. The effects of neurodevelopmental disorders on the drinking courses of the subjects were then estimated.ResultsThe presence of a current depressive episode or any anxiety disorder significantly lowered the abstinence rates during the follow-up period (p = 0.0195 and p = 0.0214, respectively). ADHD traits as assessed using the ADHD Self-report Scale (ASRS) predicted a significantly poorer abstinence rate (p = 0.0296). Similarly, attention-deficit characteristics assessed objectively through interviews predicted a significantly lower abstinence rate (p = 0.0346), and a sensitivity analysis enhanced these results (p = 0.0019). When the drinking patterns were classified into three groups, the subjects with attention-deficit characteristics had a significantly higher rate of “Recurrence” and lower rates of “Abstinence” and “Controlled drinking” (p = 0.013). In a multivariate proportional hazards analysis, the ASRS score was significantly correlated with the re-drinking risk (p = 0.003).ConclusionADHD traits had significant effects on not only abstinence rates, but also on drinking pattern. The presence of ADHD traits, especially attention-deficit characteristics, influenced the drinking courses of alcohol-dependent individuals after hospital treatment.

Improving Insurance Operations in Nigeria Through the Digital Technologies

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of digitalization technologies on the insurance industry in Nigeria. Data were obtained from primary sources only. The primary data were collected through the mailed questionnaires that were administered to selected Chartered Insurers in Nigeria. The questionnaires were designed to reveal issues on digital transformation in Insurance industry in Nigeria. Seventy (70) questionnaires were sent to the respondents across the country in the six Geo-Political zones in Nigeria. It is noteworthy that 45% of the respondents were the Chief Executive Officers of different insurance companies, 30% of them were at Senior Manager Level of the Life Assurance Companies while the remaining 25% were the General Managers of Underwriting, Claims, Marketing and Human Resources Departments. It was found out that Nigerian Insurance companies as well as the NAICOM had transformed more than 40% of their services into digital technology. Besides, the research further revealed that almost every insurance company in Nigeria has a digital platform. The research recommends that the Federal Government should create sufficient budgetary allocation to invest in InsurTech and improve the training of the staff of the Government owned insurance companies such as NICON, Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, LASACO, on the acquisition of digital skills. This will quickly encourage and mandate the private owned insurance companies to equally invest in InsurTech and arrange digital training for their staff so as to acquire digital skills necessary for the full digital transformation. The National Assembly should also amend the existing Constitutions on big data and recommend strict penalties for cybersecurity breaches. All these will disrupt the insurance services in Nigeria.

Estimating Web Survey Mode and Panel Effects in a Nationwide Survey of Alcohol Use.

Random-digit dialing (RDD) telephone surveys are challenged by declining response rates and increasing costs. Many surveys that were traditionally conducted via telephone are seeking cost-effective alternatives, such as address-based sampling (ABS) with self-administered web or mail questionnaires. At a fraction of the cost of both telephone and ABS surveys, opt-in web panels are an attractive alternative. The 2019-2020 National Alcohol Survey (NAS) employed three methods: (1) an RDD telephone survey (traditional NAS method); (2) an ABS push-to-web survey; and (3) an opt-in web panel. The study reported here evaluated differences in the three data-collection methods, which we will refer to as "mode effects," on alcohol consumption and health topics. To evaluate mode effects, multivariate regression models were developed predicting these characteristics, and the presence of a mode effect on each outcome was determined by the significance of the three-level effect (RDD-telephone, ABS-web, opt-in web panel) in each model. Those results were then used to adjust for mode effects and produce a "telephone-equivalent" estimate for the ABS and panel data sources. The study found that ABS-web and RDD were similar for most estimates but exhibited differences for sensitive questions including getting drunk and experiencing depression. The opt-in web panel exhibited more differences between it and the other two survey modes. One notable example is the reporting of drinking alcohol at least 3-4 times per week, which was 21 percent for RDD-phone, 24 percent for ABS-web, and 34 percent for opt-in web panel. The regression model adjusts for mode effects, improving comparability with past surveys conducted by telephone; however, the models result in higher variance of the estimates. This method of adjusting for mode effects has broad applications to mode and sample transitions throughout the survey research industry.