OMB AO Registry Justification B PDHS Registry_072617

JUSTIFICATION B
AGENT ORANGE REGISTRY

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Provide a numerical estimate of the potential respondent universe and describe any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., households or persons) in the universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular format for the universe as a whole and for each strata. Indicate expected response rates. If this has been conducted previously include actual response rates achieved.

• The Vietnam Veteran population is ~3 million; approximately from 1962-1975. Over 680,000

• The Agent Orange Registry is voluntary and no sampling methodology is used for recruitment.

• Vietnam Veterans and Service Members potentially exposed to herbicides are eligible.

• Eligible Veterans include:

  • Those on Vietnam land and “Brown Water” Navy

  • “Blue Water” Navy - eligible if went onto Vietnam shore

  • Korean DMZ during certain time periods

  • Certain Thai Bases and certain military occupational specialty

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information, including:

• Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection - Not Applicable

• Estimation procedure - Not Applicable

• Degree of accuracy needed - Self-report/Clinical Examination

• Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures - Not Applicable

• Any use of less frequent than annual data collection to reduce burden - Clinical exams done at the request of the patient

3. Describe methods to maximize response rate and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield “reliable” data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Not applicable in that this is not a study employing sampling and response rate is voluntary and not a measure of this clinical program.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions of 10 or more individuals.

The clinical questionnaire and exam format was historically designed and developed to understand potential exposures and associated health concerns and health outcomes of Vietnam Veterans. Registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

• Dr. Peter D. Rumm [peter.rumm@va.gov] 1-202-266-4695

Page 2