Projects

The International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation (ITC) Project (www.itcproject.org) is the first international research program for the systematic evaluation of key policies of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) at the population level. The ITC Project is conducting longitudinal cohort surveys in more than 28 countries and includes over 150 tobacco control collaborators from around the world.

The ITC Project was founded by Chief Principal Investigator Dr. Geoffrey T. Fong at the University of Waterloo, and began with the first wave of the ITC Four Country (4C) Survey in Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK in 2002. The Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit has been a key contributor to the ITC Project during the ITC 4C Survey’s transition from computer-assisted telephone surveys to interactive web surveys, a transition necessitated by the increasing challenges in conducting telephone surveys for this study. (2009 - present)

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Researchers from the University of Waterloo were studying the impact of the Millennial generation (18 to 35 year olds) on religious, spiritual and non-religious society in Canada and the United States.
The research objective was to determine the kinds of religion, spirituality, and secularity found among adult Millennials and how these compare between Canada and the U.S.; to what extent Millennial religious nones (i.e., those who do not belong to any religious group or tradition) friendship networks are homogeneously non-religious compared to those from different faith backgrounds; and the degree of social distance between religious and non-religious Millennials. The SCSRU provided survey design and online data collection for this study. A total of 2,514 surveys were completed online by members of an online panel group. (2019)

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In January 2015, the Province of Ontario passed legislation legalizing online gambling. A longitudinal study to examine the impact of this legislation on gambling behaviour was conducted by the Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit, University of Waterloo, on behalf of Dr. Robert Williams, University of Lethbridge, and the Alberta Gambling Research Institute. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of legalization of online gambling on gambling behaviour, particularly online gambling behaviour.

Population prevalence studies of gambling serve several important purposes. They establish the current overall prevalence of gambling, the prevalence of each form of gambling, personal expenditures on each form of gambling, and the prevalence of problem gambling¹. This information is very useful in understanding the overall recreational value of gambling to society, the negative social impacts of providing legalized gambling, the actual number of problem gamblers in need of treatment, the proportion of gambling revenue derived from problem gamblers, and the types of gambling most strongly associated with problem gambling. Changes in the prevalence of problem gambling from one time period to the next, and/or differences between the prevalence in one jurisdiction relative to another, provide important information about the incidence of problem gambling and the potential effectiveness of policies implemented to mitigate gambling’s harm (Volberg, 2007; Williams & Volberg, 2012).

Three waves of survey data collection were conducted: fall 2012, fall 2013, and winter 2016. In order to maintain consistency, the questionnaire perfected in the Best Practices in Problem Gambling research was used in order to compare the prevalence rates to other types of gambling that were researched in previous iterations of that study. The questionnaire was presented as a “health and recreational activities” survey to potential participants in order to more accurately measure gambling activity, as opposed to presenting the survey as a ‘gambling study’ which typically results in over- representation of problem gamblers.

For the 2012 and 2013 waves of the Internet Gambling Prevalence in Ontario study, data were collected from members of an online panel group. Across the two waves n=3,622 respondents were recruited. These 3,622 respondents were re-invited to complete the survey in 2016. A total of 1,589 surveys were completed in 2016; 73.4% of the surveys completed in 2016 were returning respondents from the previous 2013 wave and 26.6% were from the 2012 wave. The sample represented Ontario residents age 18 years or older.

In 2016 telephone recruitment also took place, contacting new respondents to ensure better representativeness, compared to focusing solely on online panel participants. A total of 44,236 telephone records, including both cell phone and landline numbers, were attempted, with 1,501 telephone surveys completed. (2012, 2013, 2016)

¹Problem gambling is defined as having difficulties limiting money and/or time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or for the community (Neal, Delfabbro, & O’Neil, 2005). It includes ‘pathological gambling’ (equivalent to severe problem gambling) that is characterized by severe difficulties in controlling gambling behaviour leading to serious adverse consequences.

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The researcher is a member of interRAI, a collaborative network of researchers in over 30 countries committed to improving health care for vulnerable persons with complex needs, include frail older persons and their caregivers.

With an aging population, there is a push towards aging at home. The majority of older adults living in the community will be cared for in a primary care setting. interRAI has identified a need for tools to distinguish healthier individuals from those in a frailer, more vulnerable state who may benefit from more comprehensive assessment and care. In order to increase the feasibility and acceptability of interRAI assessment tools in community settings, a pilot study was developed to assess self-report questions for older adults in primary care. Other objectives of the pilot study were to establish rates of health measures for adults of all ages within the general population rather than within clinical populations and to establish rates of health measures in adults identifying as informal care providers. The Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit provided survey design consultation as well as data collection for this project. A Random Digit Dialing (RDD) telephone approach was used for this research targeting adults within the Waterloo region who are aged 18+, with an oversample of persons aged 65+. (2017)

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The School of Accounting and Finance, University of Waterloo, has determined that information about the employment and professional development outcomes of graduates is important to those making decisions about post-secondary education. To obtain this information, business schools in Canada and the U.S. are surveying their graduates. The School of Accounting and Finance offers programs that compete for candidates with these schools, but does not have comparable data to share with candidates as a way to promote that their experiential approach to learning produces work-ready graduates. Data collected will allow the researchers to understand the career entry decisions made by graduates, inform programming decisions and support student recruitment. The Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit provided survey design and sampling consultation, as well as online and telephone data collection for this project. Telephone reminders were employed to achieve the best possible survey response rate. (2017, 2019, 2021)

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To assist with recruitment and marketing of graduate studies programs, the University of Waterloo Graduate Studies Office has developed an on-line survey for students who accept or decline offers of admission to UWaterloo On-site or Online graduate programs. First conducted in 2014, this survey was being conducted annually over a three-year time period. (2014 - 2016)

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SCAALAR and SPAACE to SPAACE were the first national population-based surveys on the prevalence, perceptions, and experiences of food allergies in Canada. Study findings informed the development of food allergy labeling legislation in Canada. There is general concern that food allergies are becoming an epidemic. Researchers from the University of Waterloo and the University of Calgary employed the Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit to conduct a large scale, national follow-up telephone survey to determine if any changes in prevalence, perceptions, and experiences have occurred over the past five years. For more information on this survey or the results, please contact Dr. Susan Elliott at elliotts@uwaterloo.ca. (2016 - 2017)

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The purpose of the study is to evaluate and monitor the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing's (CEMC) Think About Math (TAM) and Computer Science For Young Women (CSG) outreach programs offered through the University of Waterloo each May and June to high school aged girls. Five cohorts of workshop attendees were first surveyed the year they attended the respective workshop and then follow-up surveys were administered with each cohort five years after attending the workshops. (2010 - 2019)

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The University of Waterloo was undertaking a revision of Policy 33, Ethical Behaviour. The SCSRU collected survey data among the university community in an effort to provide a better understanding of the university work environment with respect to human rights and ethical behaviour. The research will also inform the university about the allocation of support resources for individuals experiencing difficulty in the workplace. The survey launched in October 2017 and was administered both online and on paper to undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff. (2017 - 2018)

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Researchers at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo were interested in conducting a study about individuals who have colour vision deficiencies and how it impacts their use of several different digital displays in various aspects of their daily life. The researchers aimed to get feedback on experiences with these various displays (e.g., computers, smartphones, and tablets) to help improve our understanding of how colour vision deficiencies impact individuals’ ability to use digital displays effectively. This information could be used to develop algorithms to improve the ability to interpret color-coded information. The online survey was conducted in English among respondents in Canada and the United States who were males and females age 10 and older with colour blindness. Respondents’ colour blindness was confirmed through a vision test in the survey. Respondents were recruited in two ways: 1) with a reputable Canadian panel firm; and 2) through social media (Facebook and Twitter). Data collection took place from July 2022 to September 2022. (2022)

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Researchers at the university of Waterloo were interested in exploring how children living in Canada experience restaurant food and beverage marketing. The aim of this study was to conduct a quantitative assessment of the prevalence of behaviours associated with restaurant marketing among youth aged 9 – 17 and reported changes in restaurant patronage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary objective of the project was to explore associations between participants knowledge and awareness of Canada’s Food Guide, and to explore associations between participant’s knowledge/awareness of the Food Guide and engagement with restaurant marketing. The data collected was used in a report to Health Canada and peer-reviewed publications. This online survey was conducted in English and French among Canadian youth who were recruited using reputable Canadian online panels. Eligible respondents were males and females, age 9 to 17 years who reside in one of the Canadian provinces. Parental/guardian consent, as well as consent from the child, was collected prior to survey participation. Data collection took place throughout February 2022. (2022)

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Researchers at the University of Waterloo were interested in examining how Millennial and Generation Z adults conceive of, discuss, and ultimately respond to climate change. This online survey aimed to examine the dynamics surrounding climate change debate among key populations. The researchers were interested in using the data collected to inform further research to help develop evidence-based strategies for more effective engagement in climate change discourse, debate, and advocacy. The survey was conducted online in English and French among eligible respondents, age 18 to 75, who are residents of Canadian provinces. In addition to our regular services, the Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit also provided sample weight calculations. Data collection took place from March 2022 to April 2022. (2022)

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Researchers from the University of Ottawa, the University of Alberta, and other universities both within and outside of Canada were interested in studying the perspectives of women who have acted as surrogates. The Surrogates’ Voices project aimed to explore perspectives of women who have acted as surrogates, and respondents were invited to participate in a survey that allowed them to engage in policy and legislative consultations. As part of this project, an online survey was conducted in English and French among Canadian females, age 18+ who have ever acted as a surrogate in Canada. The participants were recruited through clinics/professional organizations and surrogacy-related social media groups. The SCSRU provided two open URL surveys; one for targeted distribution (i.e., the research team sent exclusive invitations to fertility clinics, surrogacy organizations, and surrogacy agencies) and the second for distribution via social media (e.g., Facebook groups and Twitter). Web survey data collection took place from March 2022 to August 2022. (2022)

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Researchers at the School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo were interested in learning about how the scheduling status of certain drugs across Ontario and Quebec impacts patient self-care behaviours, namely self-medication using non-prescription agents, as well as to characterize the subsequent impact on pharmacy practice and primary care visits. This cross-sectional study was conducted in both English and French through an online survey among community pharmacists in Ontario and Quebec. A list of pharmacists in Ontario were sent an invitation, which included a unique closed URL survey link to complete the survey by email. An open (non-unique) survey URL link was used to advertise the survey more generally using social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter) and to collect responses from Quebec pharmacists. Data collection took place from September 2022 to October 2022. (2022)

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Researchers at the University of Ottawa were interested in studying food company sponsorship of children’s sports. Two web surveys were conducted of residents of Ontario and Quebec. The first survey was conducted among parents of children aged 5 to 17 who participate in sports to understand the views of parents on the sponsorship of sports by food and beverage companies. The second survey was conducted among children aged 10 to 17 to understand children’s views of sports sponsorship by food and beverage companies. These children did not have to participate in sports. Data collection for the parent survey took place from November 2022 to December 2022. Data collection for the child survey took place from February 2023 to April 2023. (2022 - 2023)

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The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of smoking cessation programs that involve mass distribution of nicotine replacement therapy. The study was designed as a single-blinded panel survey with random assignment to an experimental or control condition and involved two stages of recruitment and three telephone interviews. Households across Canada were contacted using a random digit dialing approach. Eligible respondents over the age of 18 were screened and recruited to either an experimental or control group, with those in the experimental group receiving a free five week supply of nicotine patches. Eligible respondents in both groups were also asked to provide a saliva sample. The pilot survey began in April 2012 and was followed by the baseline survey in June 2012. Follow-up interviews were then scheduled to take place eight weeks, six months and five years after completing the initial survey. A second study among rural households in Canada was also conducted. The rural baseline survey began in November 2020 and data collection continued until February 2022. Follow-up interviews were done for the rural baseline survey after 6 months from the date of the first interview. The follow-up interviews took place from June 2021 to October 2022. (2012 - 2022)

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The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was conducting a comprehensive survey of over 18,000 MNO citizens. The MNO is committed to a family-centred approach for service delivery for the Métis Nation in Ontario. A key component of such an approach is the ongoing assessment of broader well-being of MNO citizens and their families throughout Ontario, to better understand their service needs and to help tailor programming and services going forward. The MNO household survey was administered online and by telephone in an effort to connect and collect information from as many MNO citizens as possible. The Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit worked closely with the MNO lead researchers to develop and implement the overall methodology and to provide survey research design expertise and consultation throughout. The SCSRU also managed all online and telephone survey data collection on behalf of the MNO. (2017 - 2018)

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ECAO, who represents and champions the interests of the electrical contracting industry, was interested in surveying their members to gain their input on key bargaining issues for upcoming labour negotiations. The SCSRU provided survey design, telephone data collection and top-line data analysis for this study. A total of 174 surveys were completed. (2018)

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Researchers from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) were examining the possible shifts in attitudes and behaviours associated with legislation changes for online gambling. The purpose of this research was to help inform the development of online gambling and problem gambling prevention programming in schools in Ontario. The SCSRU provided survey design and telephone data collection services for this longitudinal study. Baseline random digit dialing (RDD) telephone survey research was conducted in 2013. Two follow-up re-contact and replenishment waves were administered in 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 following legislation changes and the launch of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) online gambling website. Telephone fieldwork for the final wave was conducted from October 2017 through to March 2018. (2014 - 2018)

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Grand River Hospital (GRH), a 567 bed hospital serving 700,000 people in the Waterloo Wellington Region of Southwestern Ontario, identified a need to more fully understand their patients’ experience with hospital care. They were interested in developing a ‘best practice’ methodological approach to collect patient experience data to produce actionable results. GRH previously participated in a province-wide patient experience survey; however, there were opportunities for a greater number of responses. A separate pilot study with data collection conducted by the Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit was conducted to assess whether a different methodological approach would produce better outcomes.

Three patient groups were considered for the pilot study: emergency, surgery inpatient, and medicine. Surveys were conducted by telephone with emergency patients shortly after discharge from the hospital, and on-site surveys were administered with surgery inpatients and medicine patients prior to their discharge from the hospital. Further to the pilot study, Grand River Hospital maintained the post discharge telephone approach in the emergency department using the SCSRU and expanded the face-to-face approach to include eight additional clinical programs. (2013 - 2018)

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The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) was interested in conducting a census of UGDSB staff to measure diversity of their workforce. The aim of the study was to provide a better understanding of the demographic makeup of the UGDSB community. Data was collected to help identify the next steps in supporting Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at the UGDSB. Funding for this census was provided by the Ministry of Education. The online survey was conducted among current employees at UGDSB. The UGDSB also provided paper copies of the survey for completion by employees who either did not have an UGDSB email address or who preferred to complete a paper copy of the survey. In addition to our regular services, the SCSRU also completed data entry for the collected paper copies of the survey and an additional data analysis report was done by the SCSRU in 2022. Data collection took place from September 2021 to November 2021. (2021)

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Researchers at Western University and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) were interested in examining self-reported changes in driving and public transit as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted at a provincial level in Ontario and on a national level across Canada. These online surveys were conducted to examine mobility, driving, use of roads and the transportation system since the COVID-19 pandemic began for the purpose of understanding the experiences of transportation users during the COVID-19 pandemic and to inform transportation policies. The provincial survey was conducted online in English and the national survey was conducted online in English and French. In addition to our regular services, the Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit also provided sample weight calculations. Data collection too place from October 2021 to November 2021 for the provincial survey and November 2021 to February 2022 for the national survey. (2021 - 2022)

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Lymphoma Coalition (LC) is a not-for-profit organization representing a global network of lymphoma patient groups. It currently supports 83 member organizations in 52 countries. LC acts a central hub for credible, current information that is used by member groups to support patients in receiving high quality care and support. It also serves as a unique resource for LC and its members in bringing patients’ voices forward. The Lymphoma Coalition has been conducting a comprehensive bi-annual Global Patient survey aimed at highlighting patient experiences as well as the impact of treatment since 2008. During the last wave in 2020, a caregiver version of the survey was also conducted to examine the experiences of those who care for lymphoma patients. For the 2022 wave, an online survey was distributed to Lymphoma patients and caregivers of Lymphoma patients. The survey was conducted in English and 18 other languages. In addition to our regular services, the Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit also provided three reports. The three reports were an Asia-Pacific report, Europe report, and Global report detailing an executive summary, overview and key findings, background information, methodology, and results from the findings. Data collection took place from February 2022 to April 2022. (2022)

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The SCSRU conducted a campus-wide online survey on behalf of Plant Operations to review the campus environment at the University of Waterloo. Respondents were asked about their experience with the grounds, buildings, spaces, and infrastructure. Data was collected to gain an understanding of how to improve the campus’s physical accessibility, how it can be designed to contribute to health and well-being, and how sustainable development can be continued on campus. Respondents were recruited by the research team using multiple marketing methods across campus. Data collection took place throughout April 2023. (2023)

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