Recruitment of participants Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Inviting participants Important to know answers to most common questions when recruiting participants The following examples will help to provide quick responses for the people recruiting participants.

“I’m too busy” “I can understand that you are busy, but we could organize the examination for the time most suitable for you. How about evening or weekend times … (suggest days/times)?” “It is really important to examine also busy people, so that we can get representative information about the entire population of country (specify you country).” In case the full appointment seems time consuming, a short version with a non-respondent questionnaire and only the core measurements should be offered.

“Is the information confidential?” “Yes. In the survey data, no names and ID- information are used. Your data will be linked to you only for the purpose of sending you feedback on your personal results.” “In case there are any questions/measurements which you experience as being too personal, you have no obligation to answer them.”

“Why have you selected me?” “We have drawn a representative sample of people from all over the country. You have been randomly selected from the (add sampling frame).” “After selecting the sample, it is not possible to replace the selected persons by someone else. This is why it is important that you will participate to the survey.”

“I’m too ill to participate.” “To be able to get a good picture of the health status and health determinants of (specify your country), it is really important to examine also those with ill health.” “If you feel that you are not well enough to come to the examination site, could we do the examinations at your home? We will not carry out any measurement that would include any risk to your health. You have the right to refuse any measurements that you feel too exhausting.”

“I’m really healthy – I don’t need to participate” “We are interested in obtaining information from healthy and sick individuals and everything in between. To be able to get a good picture of the health status and health determinants of (specify your country), it is really important to examine also those with good health.” “You may still receive new information on your health status” (mention examinations that may be interesting)

“I see my doctor all the time – I just had a health check up” “The survey is not just about health but also about lifestyles and other factors affecting health.” “We cannot obtain health information from your doctor (medical records).” “Even though there is not much personal benefit for you, the information is important to the research and health monitoring purposes, which are needed to plan health services and other health promotion actions for future generations.”

Thank you! Additional examples in: EHES manual Part B: 02. Instructions to participants and motivating participation: Appendix. FAQ - Sampling & participation