Mail Survey Response by Health Status of Smokers, Nonsmokers, and Ex-Smokers1

A population surveyed by mail questionnaire, comprising cigarette smokers, nonsmokers, and ex-smokers, was grouped by health status according to two measures: reported activity (unlimited, and limited), and sense of well-being (“well”, “not well”). Questionnaire response was slowest from smokers and quickest from ex-smokers. The only statistically significant difference in response by health status or disability was in the case of men who did not feel well, who responded more quickly than those who felt well. Among women, smokers who reported limited activity responded faster than corresponding non-smokers. These differences in responsiveness may introduce bias into the results of surveys dealing with smoking and health.