Nonresponse-Bias in einem Vorsorgeprogramm zur Früherkennung asbestbedingter Erkrankungen

The objective of the study was to identify the reasons for non-response and differences in the characteristics between non-responder and responder in a screening program of asbestos exposed workers. 5192 former power plant workers were enrolled. They were categorized in risk classes in dependence of the risk to obtain lung cancer. All subjects were underwent medical examination including occupational history, medical anamnesis, a questioning of relevant symptoms, medical examination of thorax organs, spirometry and X-ray of the chest (posterior-anterior). Individuals of highest risk underwent low-dose multidetector-row CT instead of X-ray and their sputum was analyzed. Data of 1019 individuals with a middle age of 66 years (47-91) were analyzed. 839 participants take part in at least one examination, 180 were non-respondents. Reasons of non-response were refusal because of personal reasons (35%), illness (23.3%), death (16.7%) and difficulties in arrival (13.3%). In 11.7 percent it was impossible to get information about the reasons of non-response. Comparing characteristics of the non-responder to the participants of the screening program we assess that the non-responders were older and had a longer latency period. They had a longer pension time and a greater distance to the place of examination. In terms of time of asbestos exposure and smoking habits no differences were observed. We could demonstrate that an increasing age and a rising distance to the place of the examination affect negatively the chance of participation. They were no differences between non-responder and responder in the prevalence and incidence rate of lung cancer. In this cohort refusal, illness and death were the most common reasons for non-participation.

Grantor dc:publisher

Publikationsserver der RWTH Aachen University

Year dc:date

2007

Author dc:creator

• Knoll, Lars

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kraus, Thomas

• info:eu-repo/classification/ddc/610
• Bias
• Reihenuntersuchung
• Bronchialkrebs
• Medizin
• screening
• lung cancer

Statement dc:rights

• info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Language dc:language

ger

Identifier

https://publications.rwth-aachen.de/search?p=id:%22RWTH-CONV-124135%22

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:publications.rwth-aachen.de:62571