We propose a solution for discovering at-risk veterans using online network surveys. Our approach combines
1) Facebook ad targeting for efficient recruitment of veterans and friends of veterans with 2) a survey that asks about veteran friends and acquaintances we can analyze using a network "scale-up" methodology. We accessed 400 respondents in 4 hours using only $240 (60 cents per respondent) and found preliminary evidence for self-reporting bias for PTSD.
6. Facebook Ads Targeting
Target using FB ads both
generally and using
criteria:
• location = near the 5
largest military bases
• job = employed by the
US Army
• interest = US Army
8. Survey Methodology:
“Network Scale-Up Method”
• Ask about self:
“have you had symptoms of depression?”
• Ask about friends:
“think of a person who you know that has served in
the US Armed Forces” and then
“has this person had symptoms of depression?”
12. Extensions
• This modern approach improves our ability to
survey hidden populations.
• Accessing hidden populations could allow for
interventions!
• Survey continuously for longitudinal measurements,
detect trends and effects of policy changes.