Getting a High Response Rate of Sexual Behavior Survey Among the General Population in Japan: Three Different Methods of Survey on Sexual Behavior

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to specify the most accurate, reliable and valid technique for a general sexual behavioral survey in Japan. This pilot study was conducted to assure a high response rate and to keep respondents' privacy confidential by using an anonymous questionnaire survey technique. The sample (360 potential respondents) was selected randomly from basic resident registers in two geographically different areas. From the registries, 90 residents, aged 20 to 49 years old, were randomly selected to represent each sex from each area. The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups each having a different procedure of requesting the completion of the survey and providing the questionnaires: (1) Postal Group, (2) Telephone Group, and (3) Face-to-face Group. The survey was carried out from October 1995 to February 1996. Effective response rates for the above mentioned three groups were 69.2%, 69.2% and 55.8%, respectively. It is difficult to determine the best method when only considering the effective response rates. However, judging from our effort and expense, the mail survey is the best possible procedure and would be a reasonable method for a national sexual behavior survey.

Initial Report for the Radiation Effects Research Foundation F1 Mail Survey

“…The response rate of 65.6% poses a potential threat to the study's validity. Although this rate is similar to other such surveys in a Japanese context (Hayashi et al, 1999;Nishikawa et al, 2015), it does present the possibility of bias. While up to four mailings were sent to recipients, a better approach may have been to telephone those who did not respond in order to better explain the goals of the survey and how it benefits them and society.…”

“…The overall response rate for this survey was 67.2% in Hiroshima and 62.5% in Nagasaki after multiple mailings. This rate is similar to that seen in other mail-based questionnaires in Japan (Hayashi et al, 1999;Nishikawa et al, 2015). A short analysis was run using Hiroshima city codes and response data to determine if participation bias was present; however, response rates did not appear to change by residential area.…”