Citation

Weinmann T, Thomas S, Brilmayer S, Heinrich S, Radon K. Int. J. Public Health 2012; 57(6): 959-961.

Affiliation

Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology and NetTeaching Unit, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany, tobias.weinmann@med.lmu.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00038-012-0404-7

PMID

22945842

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite its popularity, Skype has not been tested as a tool for epidemiologic research. We examined its feasibility in Germany. METHODS: A population-based sample of young adults was randomly invited to a Skype (n = 150) or a phone interview (n = 150). Response and duration of interviews were analysed to evaluate the feasibility of Skype interviews. RESULTS: Response was low and, with 10 % (95 % CI 5-15 %), even worse among Skype candidates, compared to 22 % (15-28 %) in the phone group. A third of the Skype group asked for being interviewed by phone. Median duration was 34.0 minutes for Skype interviews and 37.0 minutes for phone interviews. CONCLUSIONS: Skype is not yet a feasible tool for data collection in Germany.

Language: en