All time references are in CEST
The benefits and challenges of collecting biodata on remote studies |
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| Session Organiser | Ms Eileen Irvin (Ipsos (UK)) |
| Time | Tuesday 18 July, 09:00 - 10:30 |
| Room | |
The expanding use of biodata in social research presents new opportunities for researchers. While biodata, from saliva and blood samples, to physical measurements, has been used for decades, recent technological advancements allow for remote collection, increasing its potential. Similarly, as more research studies move from face-to-face modes to mixed or self-complete approaches, more studies are trialling the collection of biodata remotely, including during periods where COVID-19 lockdown restrictions meant long-term studies had to attempt alternative collection modes.
This session would explore experiences of collecting remote biodata - such as lateral flow tests, specimen collection (e.g. urine, saliva, or blood samples), activity monitors, and self-reported body measurement. The aim is to explore potential benefits (such as larger sample sizes, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to capture data in real-time within people's natural environments), as well as challenges (such as ethical considerations related to privacy and data security, as well as methodological issues like non-response bias and data quality). Where possible, it would also be useful to compare between remote biodata collection, and in-person biodata collection, to understand differences and the implications for research we conduct.
Keywords: Biomeasures, biodata
Ms Eileen Irvin (Ipsos) - Presenting Author
Ms Katherine Sadler (UCL and Natcen)
The National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal) explores sexual health, attitudes, and behaviours in Britain, and has been running since 1990. This presentation focuses on the innovative, mixed-mode approach to biodata collection during the latest wave (Natsal-4).
Natsal-4, commissioned by a consortium (UCL, LSHTM, University of Glasgow, and NatCen) and funded by Wellcome Trust, ESRC, and NIHR, transitioned from a face-to-face probability sample to a mixed-mode design due to pandemic-related disruptions and declining response rates to traditional surveys. This innovative approach involved three recruitment channels: 1) face-to-face interviews with remote (telephone/online) options, 2) a random probability telephone panel with a shorter online survey for non-respondents, (delivered by NatCen) and 3) an online opt-in panel with quotas for age, gender, region, and social grade, boosted for young people and specific ethnic minority groups (delivered by Ipsos).
All modes included requests for data linkage and biosamples (vaginal swabs for cis-female participants and urine samples for cis-female participants who refused a vaginal swab, as well as cis-male, trans, and non-binary participants). Samples were tested for sexually transmitted infections (chlyamydia, gonorrhoea, human papillomavirus (HPV), trichomonas, and mycoplasma genitalium (MGen)) and the microbiome of the genital tract. Results of these tests were not shared with participants. Remote participants received and returned self-collection kits via post. This mixed-mode approach allowed for a larger, more diverse sample, potentially mitigating non-response bias and improving representation of traditionally hard-to-reach groups. However, it also presented challenges, including ensuring data quality and comparability across modes, particularly for sensitive biodata. This presentation will discuss the process of collecting this personal biodata as part of a highly sensitive survey, using different modes, and the impact on who provided biosamples.