Probability-based Panel Research Articles

The Health Reform Monitoring Survey: Addressing Data Gaps To Provide Timely Insights Into The Affordable Care Act

The Health Reform Monitoring Survey (HRMS) was launched in 2013 as a mechanism to obtain timely information on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during the period before federal government survey data for 2013 and 2014 will be available. Based on a nationally representative, probability-based Internet panel, the HRMS provides quarterly data for approximately 7,400 nonelderly adults and 2,400 children on insurance coverage, access to health care, and health care affordability, along with special topics of relevance to current policy and program issues in each quarter. For example, HRMS data from summer 2013 show that more than 60percent of those targeted by the health insurance exchanges struggle with understanding key health insurance concepts. This raises concerns about some people's ability to evaluate trade-offs when choosing health insurance plans. Assisting people as they attempt to enroll in health coverage will require targeted education efforts and staff to support those with low health insurance literacy.

Patterns of Alcohol Use and Related Consequences in Non-College-Attending Emerging Adults

Among emerging adults, those who do not attain postsecondary education are at highest risk for experiencing longterm problems related to alcohol use, including alcohol dependence. The purpose of the current study was to identify latent classes of alcohol users among non-college-attending youth and examine correlates of class membership. Screening criteria were used to select emerging adults between ages 18 and 22 years with no postsecondary education (N = 264) from a prerecruited probability-based Web panel. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify common patterns of alcohol use. Grouping variables and demographic variables were added to the LCA model, and rates of alcohol-related consequences across the LCA classes were compared. Four classes of drinking patterns were identified: (a) current nondrinkers (34%), (b) weekend light drinkers (38%), (c) weekend risky drinkers (23%), and (d) daily drinkers (5%). Class membership was associated with early onset of alcohol use (age 14 or younger), marital status, employment status, and urban residency (area populated by 50,000 or more people). The number of latent classes did not differ across sex and legal drinking age status, although proportions of subjects within classes varied by age. Weekend risky drinkers were most likely to report sickness and feelings of guilt because of drinking, whereas daily drinkers were most likely to report getting into fights, driving a car after drinking, and missing work. Similar to college samples of emerging adults, most of this noncollege sample belonged to latent classes defined by rare or moderate alcohol use. Nevertheless, nearly a quarter of the sample reported high-risk drinking behaviors, and a small number reported drinking alcohol on a daily basis. Both of these classes were at elevated risk for experiencing a number of alcohol-related consequences.

Abstract B28: Married couples' reasons for failing to screen for skin cancer

Abstract Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, and incidence continues to increase. Studies have shown that screening is helpful in detecting skin cancer at an earlier more treatable stage and can be done by oneself, with the assistance of a close other, or by a health professional. Many people fail to screen for skin cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine screening rates in married couples, as well as the reasons for failing to screen. Participants were recruited and assessed by KnowledgePanel from Knowledge Networks (http://www.knowledgenetworks.com/). This is a probability-based panel of potential participants for online surveys, designed to be representative of the US population. Married individuals over 50 years of age with another person living in the home were invited to participate. Participants completed an online survey in which both husbands and wives were asked to indicate whether they received a skin exam from a clinician, or performed a skin exam themselves or with the assistance of a partner. If they answered in the negative, they were asked to endorse reasons for failing to screen from a provided list and could write in other reasons. This questionnaire was completed as part of larger study examining other cancer screening behaviors. The questionnaire was completed by 3,048 husbands and 2,942 wives (a 77% response rate). Within husbands, 39% reported receiving a clinical skin exam, while 35% of wives reported doing so. Regarding a self- or partner-assisted skin exam, 47% of husbands reported doing so, as opposed to 49% of wives. Forty-eight percent of couples matched in terms of both failing to receive a clinical skin exam, 28% did not match (i.e., one spouse had an exam, while the other did not), and 25% matched in terms of both having had a clinical skin exam. For self- or partner-assisted skin exam, 40% of married couples matched in terms of neither having an exam, 21% did not match (i.e., one spouse performed an exam, while the other did not), and 39% matched in terms of both partners performing a self- or partner-assisted skin exam. The most commonly endorsed reason among both husbands and wives for failing to obtain a skin exam by a clinician and also not screening oneself is that a doctor did not recommend one, followed by not having any noticeable symptoms of skin cancer, and not perceiving oneself as at risk for skin cancer. Kappa coefficients were calculated to assess husbands' and wives' agreement on the reasons endorsed. Husbands and wives reached moderate agreement for the following reasons for not obtaining a clinical skin exam: healthcare provider hadn't recommended, exam would be inconvenient, did not have noticeable symptoms of skin cancer, would rather have a partner do the exam, and not perceiving oneself as at risk for skin cancer. Similar reasons for not conducting a self- or partner-assisted exam were endorsed and had similar levels of agreement (other than preferring a partner exam), though husbands and wives also had moderate agreement for not conducting an exam due to being too busy. Results show that more than half of individuals over age 50 do not receive clinical or partner skin exams. Most couples matched in terms of both either having or not having had a skin exam and also endorsed similar reasons for not being screened. Based on these similarities and spousal influence on one another, intervening with couples as a unit may be beneficial in increasing skin cancer screening rates. Findings also highlight the role health professionals may play in encouraging screening for skin cancer, as the most highly cited reason for not getting screened is lack of recommendation from a healthcare provider. Finally, results suggest opportunities for education regarding “symptoms of” and risks for skin cancer and the fact that skin cancer may be asymptomatic. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):B28.

Survey Mode Effects on Valuation of Environmental Goods

This article evaluates the effect of the choice of survey recruitment mode on the value of water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams. Four different modes are compared: bringing respondents to one central location after phone recruitment, mall intercepts in two states, national phone-mail survey, and an Internet survey with a national, probability-based panel. The modes differ in terms of the representativeness of the samples, non-response rates, sample selection effects, and consistency of responses. The article also shows that the estimated value of water quality can differ substantially depending on the survey mode. The national Internet panel has the most desirable properties with respect to performance on the four important survey dimensions of interest.

Computing Response Metrics for Online Panels

Abstract As more researchers use online panels for studies, the need for standardized rates to evaluate these studies becomes paramount. There are currently many different ways and conflicting terminology used to compute various metrics for online panels. This paper discusses the sparse literature on how to compute response, refusal, and other rates and proposes a set of formulas and a standardized terminology that can be used to calculate and interpret these metrics for online panel studies. A description of and distinction between probability-based and volunteer opt-in panels is made since not all metrics apply to both types. A review of the existing discussion and recommendations, mostly from international organizations, is presented for background and context. In order to propose response and other metrics, the different stages involved in building an online panel are delineated. Metrics associated with these stages contribute to cumulative response rate formulas that can be used to evaluate studies using online probability-based panels. (Only completion rates can be calculated with opt-in panels.) We conclude with a discussion of the meaning of the different metrics proposed and what we think should be reported for which type of panel.

Understanding and changing criminal behavior : by Michael J. Lillyquist. Prentice-Hall, Inc. (Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632), 1980, 436 pp., $16.95

The prevalence of obesity in America continues to grow significantly. Awareness and understanding of the disease of obesity and treatment options for it appear to be lacking among the general US population.This study aimed to identify misperceptions in diagnosis and treatment of obesity, struggles Americans face in obtaining treatment, consequences of obesity, and perceived barriers to weight loss.University hospital, United States.A survey of 1509 adults was completed in September 2016 using AmeriSpeak, a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the US household population. The survey included oversamples of blacks and Hispanics. The study analyzed quantitative data from structured interviews and presents descriptive statistics related to public attitudes toward obesity.Of Americans, 81% consider obesity to be the most serious health problem facing the nation, tying cancer as the top issue and landing ahead of diabetes (72%), heart disease (72%), mental illness (65%), and HIV infection and AIDS (46%). Nearly all Americans (94%) agree that obesity itself, even when no other diseases are present, increases the risk for early death. Most Americans overestimate the effectiveness of some obesity treatments, such as diet and exercise alone. Many overweight and obese Americans do not consult a doctor at all about their issues of excess weight.There is increased awareness about the serious consequences of obesity, but there is still a lack of understanding about the reasons and best treatment modalities for the disease.