Methodological Guideline for Online Surveys in Health Research.

Abstract

Abstract: Online surveys have gained increasing importance in health research because they are affordable, scalable, and able to reach hard-to-access or stigmatized populations. Although they are widely used, there is still limited consolidated guidance on managing the methodological and ethical challenges associated with their use, especially within the Indian research context. This narrative review synthesizes existing literature on online survey methods to offer practical advice for researchers. We explored the methodological aspects of internet surveys, focusing on questionnaire design, ethical approval and informed consent, recruitment strategies, survey administration, response rate, and data analysis. Additionally, we summarize the features, costs, and suitability of nine commonly used internet survey platforms. Online surveys have evolved into user-friendly platforms that offer efficiency and inclusivity, yet challenges persist. We highlight evidence-based strategies to mitigate these challenges. Overall, this review stresses the importance of combining easy-to-use digital technology with research standards and ethical practices to produce reliable and impactful findings that can inform both academic and practical applications.