Online Program

Identifying Teens Affected By a Natural Disaster Using an Addressed-Based Sample Frame.

*Tiffany Henderson, Abt SRBI 
Anna Fleeman, Abt SRBI 
Patricia Vanderwolf, Abt SRBI 
John Michael Boyle, Abt SRBI 
Ken Ruggiero, Medical University of South Carolina 
Ananda Amstadter, Virginia Commonwealth University 

Keywords: teen, disaster, ABS

To better understand the stressors that affect adolescents after a natural disaster, Abt SRBI, under the direction of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), conducted a study targeting 12 to 17 year olds in areas in which a F4 or F5 tornado touched down. Respondents had to have internet access at home and a parent/guardian who regularly checked email. The 13 month study consisted of a 20 minute baseline phone interview in which respondents and their parent were invited to take part in an interactive counseling Website designed by MUSC. In addition, respondents were asked to provide a saliva sample to test for indicators of stress. Follow-up surveys – conducted via a Web survey for some and over the phone for others – were administered 4 months and 12 months after the baseline. To maximize incidence in areas of localized disasters such as tornadoes, we used a highly targeted addressed-based sample (ABS) frame based on latitude/longitude coordinates. After selecting the 50,000+ addresses, phone numbers were appended if a match could be made. Addresses unable to be matched to a phone number were sent a letter and a screening questionnaire that identified eligible households. All households returning the questionnaire received $5. Eligible households were then called to conduct the baseline phone interview. Addresses for which a phone number could be matched were called and screened for eligibility. If eligible, then the baseline interview was administered. Presented findings will include response rates, incidence rate by phone – match ABS and non-phone match ABS, household displacement, and any tracking or location work needed when conducting the follow-up surveys. Results will provide much insight as to contacting hard-to-reach populations in very precise geographic areas.