For instance, we do not find empirical support for the frequent assertion in the literature that the longer running studies achieve higher consent rates (the BHPS compared to the UKHLS experience would rather suggest the opposite, cf. [ 14], and the difference in the consent rates between NCDS and UKHLS is not that large).
It may be that differences in the survey design (for example the use of annual interviews versus irregular sweeps of data collection, the focus on the cohort member versus focus on all members of the household) explain the difference in the consent rates.
The principle difference was in the consent forms (see below), and in addition there were minor changes of wording between the two forms, principally to do with work/school, and with occasional simplification of wording in child version.
We explore commonalities and differences in the process of collecting consent, achieved consent rates and biases in consent with respect to socio-demographic, socio-economic and health characteristics.
We investigated whether there are differences in the distribution of consenting choice among subgroups defined by age, gender, educational level, previous research experience, or health status (patient or companion).
Unobserved differences in the characteristics of patients consenting and not consenting to participate in the study may have resulted in a selection bias, which would reduce the representativeness of the sample population to the general depression population.
Our comparative analysis identified 1) core elements in the structure of the consents, and 2) similarities and differences in the information content of consents.
In this study, we expected that biobanks would show similarities and differences in their consent procedures and the role they attributed to the child in this procedure.
