An Exploration of How Fact Based Survey Questions

An Exploration of How Fact. Based Survey Questions Can Prompt Respondents to Categorize Themselves QDET 2 Miami, FL November 9 -13, 2016 Stephanie Willson Sheba K. Dunston National Center for Health Statistics

Interpretations Vary on Seemingly Straightforward Questions

Questions Based on Dichotomous answers are Often Problematic

Data from Cognitive Interview Final Reports Data and conclusions are examined from reports in Q-Bank, an on-line library of cognitive interviewing final reports. Survey topics include smoking, alternative medicine, diabetes, cancer control, and dental health. https: //wwwn. cdc. gov/QBANK/Beta/Home. aspx

Behavior Questions n Smoking n Alternative medicine (use of herbs)

Smoking Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your ENTIRE LIFE? q Yes q No

Use of Alternative Medicine Have you ever used natural herbs or other nonvitamin supplements for your own health or treatment? q Yes q No

Fact-Based Questions n Diabetes n Cancer n Dental health

Diabetes Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have diabetes or sugar diabetes? q Yes q No q Borderline (prediabetes)

Cancer Control Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had cancer or a malignancy of any kind? q Yes q No

Dental Health Have you lost all of your upper and lower natural, permanent teeth? q yes q no During the last 6 months, have you had any of the following problems? Toothache Crooked teeth Missing teeth sensitive teeth broken teeth loose teeth bleeding gums stained teeth decayed teeth

Common Solutions? Use dichotomies judiciously; “real life” is rarely that simple!

References n Willson, S. , (2010). Cognitive Interview Evaluation of the 2010 National Health Interview Survey Supplement on Cancer Screenings & Survivorship: Results of interviews conducted October – December, 2008. National Center for Health Statistics. Hyattsville, MD n Willson, S. , 2006, Cognitive Interviewing Evaluation of the 2007 Complementary and Alternative Medicine Module for the National Health Interview Survey, Round 2, Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.

References, cont. n Dunston, S. , Willson, S. , Lessem, S. , Salvaggio, M. , Sibley, C. , Cortes, L. (2016). Cognitive Testing of the 2016 NHIS Diabetes Primary Prevention Questions. NCHS. Hyattsville, MD. n Willson, S. , 2007, Cognitive Interview Evaluation of the 2008 Oral Health Supplement for the National Health Interview Survey, Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.