Methodological and strategic insights for online survey studies: an analysis based on the CHERRIES checklist

Abstract

The use of online surveys has become a valuable and widely employed tool in health research. However, the use of such instruments necessitates methodological rigor and optimization in their design to achieve the best response rates. Drawing upon relevant literature and the international CHERRIES guidelines for the development of online surveys, this article addresses methodological aspects related to ethical considerations and data protection (with reference to the Association of Internet Research's online ethics guide), study design and validation, recruitment, data collection processes, and data management and analysis. In conclusion, given the context of overexposure to online surveys, which can influence recruitment and response rates, strategies for their maximization are provided, encompassing both static and dynamic aspects of survey design.