Non-response bias in a study of cardiovascular diseases, functional status and self-rated health among elderly men

Abstract

Selective non-response might lead to bias in the prevalence of disease, disabilities and self-rated health as well as in the associations between disease and functional status and self-rated health. The direction and magnitude of this bias varies according to type of disease and health outcome and is therefore difficult to predict. The need to minimize non-response and to investigate its implications is recommended in every study.