Collecting saliva samples by mail

Am J Epidemiol. 1998 Jan 15;147(2):141-6. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a009426.

Abstract

Collecting saliva samples by mail can serve numerous purposes in epidemiologic research. The objectives of this study were to assess what proportion of participants in a mail survey would provide a saliva sample and whether incentives could improve participation. In 1995, 2,994 students, faculty, and staff members of Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland, were randomized to receive, together with a mailed questionnaire about smoking, a saliva vial, a ballpoint pen, the offer of a lottery, or any combination of these. After one mailing and a reminder letter, response rates were 52% among those who had been requested to provide saliva and 63% among controls (p < 0.001). In the former group, most respondents (98%) provided a saliva sample. Incentives improved participation only among those who were asked to provide saliva (lottery: +11% response, p = 0.003; pen: +6% response, p = 0.1). The final participation, after up to three reminders, was 76% overall. The authors conclude that while the collection of saliva samples by mail is feasible it tends to decrease response rates.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cotinine / analysis*
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postal Service
  • Saliva / chemistry*
  • Sampling Studies
  • Smoking*
  • Specimen Handling
  • Students
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Switzerland

Substances

  • Cotinine