Michele Lynberg - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Michele Lynberg

International Total Survey Error Workshop, Jun 1, 2008

American Association of Public Opinion Research Annual Conference 2008, May 1, 2008

Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per resp... more Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number.

Violence and Victims, 2006

Concerns have been raised regarding the appropriateness of asking about violence victimization in... more Concerns have been raised regarding the appropriateness of asking about violence victimization in telephone interviews and whether asking such questions increases respondents’ distress or risk for harm. However, no large-scale studies have evaluated the impact of asking such questions during a telephone interview. This study explored respondents’ reactions to questions regarding violence in two large recently completed telephone surveys. After respondents were asked about violence, they were asked if they thought surveys should ask such questions and whether they felt upset or afraid because of the questions. In both surveys, the majority of respondents (regardless of their victimization history) were willing to answer questions about violence and were not upset or afraid because of the questions. More than 92% of respondents thought such questions should be asked. These results challenge commonly held beliefs and assumptions and provide some assurance to those concerned with the et...

Violence Against Women, 2014

Sexual violence (SV) is a significant public health problem. Using data from the 2005 Behavioral ... more Sexual violence (SV) is a significant public health problem. Using data from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), this article provides state-specific 12-month SV prevalence data for women residing in 23 states and two territories. Overall, more than 500,000 women in the participating states experienced completed or attempted nonconsensual sex in the 12-month period prior to the survey. The collection of state-level data using consistent, uniform, and behaviorally specific SV definitions enables states to evaluate the magnitude of the problem within their state and informs the development and evaluation of state-level SV programs, policies, and prevention efforts.

Sociological Methods & Research, 2011

Random digit dialed telephone surveys are facing two serious problems undermining probability-bas... more Random digit dialed telephone surveys are facing two serious problems undermining probability-based inference and creating a potential for bias in survey estimates: declining response rates and declining coverage of the landline telephone frame. Optimum survey designs need to focus reduction techniques on errors that cannot be addressed through statistical adjustment. This requires (a) separating and estimating the relative magnitude of different error sources and (b) evaluating the degree to which each error source can be statistically adjusted. In this study, the authors found significant differences in means both for nonrespondents and for the eligible population excluded from the landline frame, which are also in opposite directions. Differences were also found for element variances and associations, which can affect survey results but are rarely examined. Adjustments were somewhat effective in decreasing both sources of bias, although addressing at least one through data collec...

Social Science Computer Review, 2009

Although landline telephone household surveys often draw inference about the general population, ... more Although landline telephone household surveys often draw inference about the general population, a proportion with only cell phones is excluded. In the United States, like in much of the world, this proportion is substantial and increasing, providing potential for coverage bias. Studies have looked at bias in means, but undercoverage can affect other essential statistics. The precision of point estimates can be biased, leading to erroneous conclusions. Research examining multivariate relationships will be further affected by bias in associations. A national landline telephone survey was conducted, followed by a survey of adults with only cell phones. In addition to estimates of means and proportions, differences were found for variances and associations. Bias in some point estimates was reduced through poststratification but became larger and in opposite direction for others. Different uses of survey data can be affected by omitting the cell-only population, and reliance on postsurv...

The Journal of Rural Health, 2009

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health problem that affects people across the entire ... more Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health problem that affects people across the entire social spectrum. However, no previous population-based public health studies have examined the prevalence of IPV in rural areas of the United States. Research on IPV in rural areas is especially important given that there are relatively fewer resources available in rural areas for the prevention of IPV. Methods: In 2005, over 25,000 rural residents in 16 states completed the first-ever IPV module within the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-sponsored annual random-digit-dialed telephone survey. The BRFSS provides surveillance of health behaviors and health risks among the non-institutionalized adult population of the United States and several US territories. Findings: Overall, 26.7% of rural women and 15.5% of rural men reported some form of lifetime IPV victimization, similar to the prevalence found among men and women in non-rural areas. Within several states, those living in rural areas evidenced significantly higher lifetime IPV prevalence than those in non-rural areas. Conclusion: IPV is a significant public health problem in rural areas, affecting a similar portion of the population as in non-rural areas. More research is needed to examine how the experience of IPV is different for rural and non-rural residents.

Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1993

To determine whether yellow fever (YF) vaccine administered in pregnancy causes fetal infection, ... more To determine whether yellow fever (YF) vaccine administered in pregnancy causes fetal infection, women who were vaccinated during unrecognized pregnancy in a mass campaign in Trinidad were studied retrospectively. Maternal and cord or infant blood were tested for IgM and neutralizing antibodies to YF and dengue viruses. One of 41 infants had IgM and elevated neutralizing antibodies to YF virus, indicating congenital infection. The infant, the first reported case of YF virus infection after immunization in pregnancy, was delivered after an uncomplicated full-term pregnancy and appeared normal. Congenital dengue 1 infection may have occurred in another case. The frequency of fetal infection and adverse events after such exposure could not be estimated; however, the neurotropism of YF virus for the developing nervous system and the now documented possibility of transplacental infection underscores the admonition that YF vaccination in pregnancy should be avoided.

Field Methods, 2010

Rapidly decreasing coverage of landline surveys is increasing the need to implement dual-frame su... more Rapidly decreasing coverage of landline surveys is increasing the need to implement dual-frame surveys for inference to the adult U.S. population. Vast differences between the way cell phones and landlines are used, and the populations using them, require separate data collection designs. Yet research comparing cell phone surveys to landline telephone surveys is scarce with respect to operational outcomes. The authors test hypothesized differences between cell phone and landline interviewing through experiments on survey topic and length and find that these factors may not have the same impact in cell phone surveys. To help optimize calling cell phone numbers in future studies, the authors present self-reported cell phone use patterns and other factors affecting the probability of contact and sampling design.To inform the inclusion of adults with both a cell and landline phone, they compare cell phone use among cell phone only and cell with landline cases. The authors found notable ...

Environmental Health Perspectives, 2001

Recent epidemiologic studies of disinfection by-products (DBPs) have suggested an association bet... more Recent epidemiologic studies of disinfection by-products (DBPs) have suggested an association between DBPs in tap water and adverse reproductive outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, birth defects, and intrauterine growth retardation (1-5). These studies have reported risks that are relatively consistent but modest in magnitude, with relative risk estimates of 1.5-3.5 among populations exposed to increased levels of DBPs in tap water. Small numbers of cases and limited exposure information complicate interpretation of these results (6,7). Because exposure to DBPs in public water supplies is ubiquitous, even low-magnitude risks (if confirmed) are of potentially great public health importance.

Annals of Epidemiology, 2008

Few studies have examined the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and health outc... more Few studies have examined the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and health outcomes for both women and men. The current study examined this relationship for women and men as part of a large cross-sectional public-health survey that collected information on a range of health behaviors and health risks. In 2005, over 70,000 respondents in 16 states and 2 territories were administered the first-ever IPV module within the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is an annual random-digit-dialed telephone survey. Lifetime IPV was assessed by four questions that asked about threatened, attempted, or completed physical violence, as well as unwanted sex. Women and men who reported IPV victimization during their lifetime were more likely to report joint disease, current asthma, activity limitations, HIV risk factors, current smoking, heavy/binge drinking, and not having had a checkup with a doctor in the past year. Experiencing IPV is associated with a number of adverse health outcomes and behaviors. There remains a need for the development of assessment opportunities and secondary intervention strategies to reduce the risk of negative health behaviors and long-term health problems associated with IPV victimization.

American Psychologist, 2007

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2006

This paper discusses current challenges in achieving higher survey participation rates in random-... more This paper discusses current challenges in achieving higher survey participation rates in random-digit-dial telephone surveys and proposes steps to address them through interviewer training to avoid refusals. It describes features of surveys that contribute to respondent reluctance to participate and offers a brief overview of current refusal aversion training methods to reduce nonresponse. It then identifies what challenges that unique features of random-digit-dial telephone surveys on sensitive topics might contribute to nonresponse. Recommendations are then proposed for changes in refusal aversion training, standard survey introductions, and informed consent procedures. Finally, further research is called for to identify which methods best balance the need to improve response rates with respondent safety and privacy in surveys with sensitive questions.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2008

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been shown to have serious health consequences fo... more Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been shown to have serious health consequences for both women and men, including poor general health, depressive symptoms, substance use, and elevated rates of chronic disease. Aside from crime surveys, there have been no large-scale IPV prevalence studies since the 1996 National Violence Against Women Survey. The lack of regular, ongoing surveillance, using uniform definitions and survey methods across states has hindered efforts to track IPV. In addition, the lack of state-specific data has hampered efforts at designing and evaluating localized IPV prevention programs. Methods: In 2005, over 70,000 respondents were administered the first-ever IPV module within the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-sponsored annual random-digit-dialed telephone survey, providing surveillance of health behaviors and health risks among the non-institutionalized adult population of the United States and several U.S. territories. Results: Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men reported some form of lifetime IPV victimization. Women evidenced significantly higher lifetime and 12-month IPV prevalence, and were more likely to report IPV-related injury than men. IPV prevalence also varied by state of residence, race/ethnicity, age, income, and education. Conclusions: State-level data can assist state health officials and policy planners to better understand how many people have experienced IPV in their state. Such information provides a foundation on which to build prevention efforts directed toward this pervasive public health problem.

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 2011

Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 13 men experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at some time in th... more Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 13 men experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at some time in their life. Victims of IPV suffer significant negative health consequences because of the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse they have experienced. Elevated risks have been observed for a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Research has substantially improved our understanding of the physiology that underlies the association between violence victimization and an array of adverse health outcomes. Given the high prevalence of IPV and the associated medical consequences and costs of IPV, it is critical to address this public health problem. IPV prevention and intervention can substantially decrease the public health burden of IPV and greatly improve the health of patients being seen in the medical system. Primary care and family physicians are in an ideal position to diagnose victims of IPV and provide the victims and their families the appropriate care that is needed. However, to accom...

International Journal of Public Health, 2009

Although several studies have examined the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) a... more Although several studies have examined the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and drug use among women in drug treatment programs, more information is needed to delineate differences, as a function of the specific drug used. Data from a random sample of 416 women attending methadone programs were analyzed to elucidate the differential associations between IPV and use of the following: marijuana only, cocaine only, heroin only, or cocaine and heroin. Prevalence of IPV among this sample far exceeded estimates from the general population. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, use of cocaine only was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing IPV compared with no drug use. Similar results were found for women using both cocaine and heroin.

Epidemiology, 2001

We assessed the relation between febrile illness during pregnancy and cardiac defects in the offs... more We assessed the relation between febrile illness during pregnancy and cardiac defects in the offspring in a population-based case-control study in metropolitan Atlanta. Case infants (905) with cardiac defects were actively ascertained from multiple sources. Control infants (3,029) were infants without birth defects who were selected from birth certificates by stratified random sampling. We compared those whose mothers reported febrile illness from 1 month before pregnancy through the third month of pregnancy with those whose mothers reported no illness during the same period. Febrile illness was positively associated with the occurrence of heart defects in the offspring (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8; 95% confidence interval = 1.4-2.4). When influenzalike illness was the reported febrile illness, the OR was 2.1 (95% confidence interval = 0.8-5.5). The association with febrile illness was strongest for tricuspid atresia (OR = 5.2), left obstructive defects (OR = 2.7), transposition of the great arteries (OR = 1.9), and ventricular septal defects (OR = 1.8). These ORs were generally lower among mothers who used multivitamins during the periconceptional period.