Participation in a mail survey: role of repeated mailings and characteristics of nonrespondents among recent mothers.

摘要: This study analysed the characteristics of respondent and nonrespondent mothers at each stage a survey procedure, from initial questionnaire to reminder letter two repeated mailings. Of 938 liveborn children who, while maternity inpatients, received information about mail follow 2 months later, 828 completed returned questionnaire, 708 agreed participate in were sent 612 finally months. There differences between respondents non-respondents for socio-demographic factors process. The final response rate was higher among who younger, breast feeding, had more education, an occupation fewer children. late intermediate those early middle re-spondents nonrespondents age, educational level, feeding occupation. Maternal infant health varied only slightly according status. Repeated mailings increased diminished selection. A after contact matern-ity ward is cost-effective means gathering data large sample recent their