Factors Associated with Refusal to Provide a Buccal Cell Sample in the Agricultural Health Study

摘要: Epidemiological studies are increasingly collecting buccal cells and other sources of DNA for genetic analysis. However, high refusal rates raise concerns about possible selection bias. This study examines the subject characteristics associated with or failure to provide a cell sample. Subjects were male farmers in Agricultural Health Study, which is being conducted Iowa North Carolina. As part 5-year follow-up, cohort members contacted by telephone asked participate interview consent providing sample using kit that was mailed them. Demographic, lifestyle, disease, occupational compared between consenters who returned (“compliers”), nonconsenters (“refusers”), failed return (“noncompliers”). Compliers ( n = 8794), refusers 3178), noncompliers 3008) quite similar, although compliers tended be slightly older. Although some significant differences these groups observed, magnitude generally small, usually no more than few percentage points. In conclusion, this found little difference agreed samples versus those either refused but Observed typically small would unlikely compromise etiologic associations identified such prospective study. short, there appears bias Study collection process, further supporting use kits epidemiological research.