The application of online surveys for workplace health research

Abstract

Work has a synergistic relationship to health, and workplaces are increasingly the focus for both health promotion initiatives and health research. Electronic technologies are a common feature of many workplaces and as such are convenient low cost survey vehicles for the health researcher. The methods and the implications of employing Internet methods for health research are covered and a wide range of issues connected with online sampling and data collection are discussed. Because the workplace does not provide a neutral research environment, the security, anonymity and associated issues of using the two main forms of Internet surveys for workplace health research are examined and their advantages and disadvantages are debated.