Table 1

Overview of design options considered for Natsal-4 and whether they meet data collection requirements based on available evidence

OptionCriteria
Cheaper delivery of dataMinimise sampling and response biasSufficient statistical powerDetailed questionnaire data including new topicsYoung person/ethnic boost samplesBiological
samples
possible		Data
linkage
possible		Maintain time series
1. Probability sample + interviewer-led interviewNA✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
2. Follow up existing probability sample survey✕(✕) Need to follow up for several years(✓) Need to follow up several years.✓(✕) Depends on survey sample size.✓✓✕
3. Add detailed sexual health module to existing survey✓✓(✓) Need to include for several years.(✕) Amount of detail depends on survey/sponsors.(✕) Would need separate funding.(✓) Depending on survey.(✓) Subject to agreement from survey team.(✓) For limited set of questions, depending on mode.
4. Probability-based web/telephone panel ✓ ✕✕✕✕NK (✓)NK (✕)✕
5. Random digit dialling + telephone interview✓✕✓NK (✓)NKNK (✓)NK (✕)✕
6. ‘Web-first’ mixed-mode surveyNK✕✓(✓) For some but not all participants.NK (✕)NK (✓)NK (✓)✕
7. Interviewer recruitment + web surveyNK (✓)NK (✕)✓✕✓NK (✓)NK (✓)✕

  • ‘(✓)’ indicates that this is possible, depending on the specific design chosen.

  • ‘NK’ indicates insufficient evidence available from other surveys.

  • ‘NK (✓)’ indicates insufficient evidence, but likely to be able to deliver or partially deliver.

  • ‘NK (✕)’ indicates insufficient evidence, but unlikely to deliver.

  • NA, not applicable; Natsal, National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles.