Improving treatment effectiveness for chemically dependent adolescents rests on researchers' ability to measure treatment outcomes. Follow-up surveys using self-reports are the most common approach to measuring the levels and patterns of post treatment substance use among adolescents. The reliability of the sampling used in such surveys is an important concern. The issue most frequently questioned is whether the characteristics of those who respond are similar to those who do not. If the nonresponders differ from the responders on any important attribute(s) (sociodemographic, economic or clinical variables) the reliability of the outcomes data is called into question. This research is designed to determine if sampling bias is created by nonresponse in a follow-up telephone survey of adolescents who completed primary substance abuse treatment. The data for this research were collected in 1999 from the medical records and a telephone survey of adolescents discharged from a primary treatment facility in the Midwest. A total of 44.9% (n=88) of the adolescents completed the survey, 52.4% could not be contacted for various reasons and the remaining 2.7% refused to participate. Statistical comparisons are made on key variables to determine if significant differences existed between responders and nonresponders. The analysis showed no difference between responders and nonresponders for most variables including demographic, family support/structure, criminality/truancy, psychological comorbidities and other categories of variables. The results indicate little sampling bias created by nonresponse.
Learning Objectives: Identify when sampling bias may be present in research that assesses the outcomes of adolescent substance abuse treatment. Evaluate the effects of sampling bias created by nonresponse in outcomes research of adolescent substance abuse treatment.
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.