Address-based Sampling (ABS) as an "Alternative" to RDD: A Test in California

Address-based sampling (ABS) from the USPS Delivery Sequence File (DSF) presents a potential method to overcome historical coverage decreases in landline random digit dial (RDD) frames, and reduce costs relative to dual-frame cell/landline RDD samples. DSF coverage tends to be better in urban areas than rural areas, and the contact and response options available with ABS make it an interesting method for reaching otherwise “hardto-survey” populations, such as ethnic and linguistic minorities, and households with only a cell phone. ABS was pilot tested as a special project of the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), and the procedural results are presented here. Two California communities comprised the target population (with a sample of n=8,277 addresses). Communities where chosen based on population size/density, ethnicity, and percentage speaking Spanish. The mailing protocol included three "full-packet" mailings of a onepage screener form designed to replace screening traditionally done via phone. A reminder postcard was mailed between the first and second mailings. Households providing a phone number were called to complete the standard CHIS telephone interview. Households not providing a phone number were called if one was matched to their address through a record match. Initial results suggest that ABS may work as a replacement to RDD screening but with several caveats.