A mixed methods analysis of participation in a social contact survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Social contact survey data forms a core component of modern epidemic models: however, there has been little assessment of the potential biases in such data.

Methods

We conducted focus groups with university students who had (n = 13) and had never (n = 14) completed a social contact survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative findings were explored quantitatively by analysing participation data.

Results

The opportunity to contribute to COVID-19 research, to be heard and feel useful were frequently reported motivators for participating in the contact survey. Reductions in survey engagement following lifting of COVID-19 restrictions may have occurred because the research was perceived to be less critical and/or because the participants were busier and had

SUBMITTER: Nixon E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7615368 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature