Respondent Characteristics by Survey Modality in a Pragmatic Trial of Black and Latinx Adults with Asthma

Context: The PeRson EmPowered Asthma RElief (PREPARE) study was a pragmatic open-label randomized trial that tested a patient empowered approach to using inhaled corticosteroids together with short-acting bronchodilators as rescue therapy to reduce exacerbations in two highly impacted groups with asthma. This study used a mixed modal survey approach (i.e., mail, phone, online) to ensure equitable and convenient access to monthly surveys and optimize response rates. Respondents selected their preference for completing surveys. This sub-study examines respondent characteristics by selection of survey modality.

Objectives: 1). Describe respondent characteristics by main modality used to complete surveys. 2). Explore differences in respondent characteristics across survey modalities.

Study Design and Analysis: Sub-study of the PREPARE study, describing characteristics of the cohort by survey modality choice are presented.

Dataset: Baseline assessment and monthly surveys.

Population Studied: Adults, 18-75 years, who self-identified as African American/Black (AA/B) or Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) and had a clinical diagnosis of moderate to severe asthma. Total of 603 AA/B and 598 H/L participants enrolled at 19 family medicine and subspecialty sites in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Intervention/Instrument: Baseline assessment included respondent characteristics. Monthly surveys assessed asthma symptoms, exacerbations, missed work/school or usual activities, and medication use. Respondents were asked to complete 13-15 monthly surveys.

Outcome Measures: Baseline respondent characteristics, survey modality selection, and survey completion rates.

Results: Overall, a >90% survey response rate was achieved. The majority of participants (68%) filled out most of their surveys online, 27% by telephone, 3% by paper. Survey modality choice differed by responders’ race/ethnicity, language, age, education, and income.

Conclusions: Providing options to complete survey had a positive impact on response rates. Findings from this study show that there are differences in survey modality utilization and respondents characteristics. Online and telephone survey options were widely utilized; mail option was selected infrequently and could be dropped in the future.