Background: The advent of computer-based technology has led to innovative epidemiological research methods to exploit the advantages of computer-mediated communications. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a self-administered electronic questionnaire for acquiring information on cardiovascular health, knowledge and behaviours in a representative, stratified sample of the Italian population.
Methods: We report information on the attitudes and approach to cardiovascular disease prevention in a representative sample of Italian families who were interviewed at home by electronic questionnaires. The panel of families is currently used for national opinion polls and marketing surveys. Electronic questionnaires were filled out by 1683 males and 1736 females during a weekend period.
Results: Two-thirds of respondents reported having their blood pressure measured while only half reported having blood lipid and glucose tests over the previous 2 years. Prevalence of reported hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes and smoking were 15.2, 13.0, 9.8 and 37.1% in men and 10.1, 8.1, 2.6 and 28.0% in women, respectively. More than 50% of hypertensives and diabetics were on drug treatment, while only 20% of subjects reporting hyperlipidaemia were on medication.
Conclusions: The results suggest the usefulness of self-administered electronic questionnaires for acquiring quick, low-cost and high response rate information in epidemiological surveys.