Keywords
Rapport; Evaluations; Non response; Attrition
Abstract
Background: Non-response and attrition are serious problems in the field of longitudinal cohort studies. This paper examines the role of rapport between interviewers and respondents on attrition at a follow-up assessment.
Methods: Evaluation forms filled out by the respondents and the interviewers at the end of the baseline assessment were used to assess if good or bad rapport was built during the interview and whether this was associated with attrition at a self-administered follow-up assessment by mail. Respondents and interviewers judged the interview experience on pleasantness, tiresomeness and length of the interview.
Results: Our analyses first show significant associations between pleasantness, tiresomeness, experienced length of the interview and attrition. When respondents and interviewers judge the evaluation items more positive the chance of attrition at the subsequent assessment declined. Second, we compared the evaluation items of the interviewers and respondents to establish whether good or bad rapport was built and if this was associated with attrition. Results show that there is an association between good or bad rapport and attrition.
Conclusion: Rapport seems to play a role in attrition of respondents at follow-up assessments. This f inding can be used to diminish attrition in longitudinal studies by using this information for training and guiding interviewers on building good rapport. Information about the interview experience and the rapport that was built during an assessment can also be used to tailor the approach of respondents at follow up measurements and thereby diminishing attrition.
Citation
Horsfall M, Eikelenboom M and Smit JH. The Effect of Rapport between Interviewer and Respondent on Attrition. SM J Public Health Epidemiol. 2017; 3(2): 1041.