Comparison between participants and non‐participants in a dental health survey in Northern Norway

The present study focused on possible differences with regard to sex, age, family income and dental status between those who did and those who did not attend a dental health survey. In a village in Northern Norway, all inhabitants aged 20-69 years (180 men and 178 women) were invited by mail to participate in a dental health survey. Two reminders were sent to non-respondents. Eighty-three percent of the target population attended for examination and interviews, and 94% responded to a follow-up questionnaire. Of all non-participants, men, and particularly young men, were overrepresented. Middle-aged people were more likely to participate than were persons under 30 and over 50 years of age. Furthermore, people belonging to the upper income groups seemed to be more willing to participate than those at lower income levels. Apparently, inconvenient working hours and long commuting distances had affected the participation. In addition, it seemed likely that anxiety and local factors had some influence.