Citation

Klesges RC, Williamson JE, Somes GW, Talcott GW, Lando HA, Haddock CK. Am. J. Public Health 1999; 89(8): 1228-1231.

Affiliation

University of Memphis, Tenn., USA. bklesges@cc.memphis.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, American Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10432911

PMCID

PMC1508706

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the characteristics of Air Force recruits willing to take part in a health survey vs those unwilling to participate. METHODS: US Air Force recruits undergoing basic military training (n = 32,144) were surveyed regarding demographic and health variables. RESULTS: Respondents indicating an unwillingness to participate in a health survey reported less healthy lifestyles than those willing to participate. Prediction equations modeling the characteristics of those engaging in 4 risky behaviors were nearly identical regardless of whether those refusing to participate were included. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that, despite some low estimates of health behaviors due to response bias, relationships between most risk factors are generally unaffected by those not responding to health surveys.

Language: en