The Natural History of Prostatism: The Effects of Non-Response Bias

Abstract

These data suggest response may have been driven, in part, by concerns about urologic disease. However, the similarity in non-urologic diagnoses and general medical examinations provide some preliminary reassurance that the 55% response rate did not necessarily compromise generalizability.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Prostate Volume and Uroflow in Norwegian Community Men

“…In population–based surveys, it is possible that respondents with urological symptoms are overrepresented in the sample, due to the approach to recruiting them and the offer of free examinations [28]. A comparison of participants and the full cohort from which the sample was drawn showed comparable age, height and weight, but slightly higher IPSS for participants, although the mean difference was less than 1 point.…”

The Natural History of Untreated Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Elderly Men over a Period of Five Years

“…Survey responders are also more likely to use more health care [16]. Thus, men with LUTS are more likely to have participated than those without such symptoms, perhaps overestimating the prevalence of urinary symptoms at baseline.…”

Effects of Self-Perceived Hair Loss in a Community Sample of Men

“…To assess the potential nonresponse bias, a separate mail-based survey was conducted using a condensed questionnaire in men who did not initially participate [10, 11, 12], and results are described elsewhere [13]. Briefly, men who returned the abbreviated questionnaire and met eligibility criteria were relatively comparable to participants, although few younger men returned the abbreviated version.…”