How is the SHARE data collection process carried out in Latvia? Key aspects of the SHARE study methodology

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) participates in the project “RSU Participation in the Horizon Europe Programme” (project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/014), one of the main goals of which is to inform and educate researchers about the opportunities to use SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) data for research purposes.

How does the data collection process take place?

In the study, data are collected through structured computer-assisted face-to-face interviews at respondents’ homes. The same respondents participate in several survey waves, thus ensuring a longitudinal panel sample. The existing sample is supplemented with new participants (a refreshment sample). In cases where a respondent is unable to answer due to health reasons, some of the answers may be provided by a proxy respondent. If a participant has passed away between two survey waves, one of their relatives provides an end-of-life interview.

How is data quality ensured?

A unified survey questionnaire is used in all SHARE participating countries. In Latvia, the questionnaire is available in Latvian and Russian, and the interview is conducted in the language that is most convenient for the respondent, thereby ensuring full comprehension of the survey questions and accurate responses. For each wave, internationally organised training sessions are provided for both fieldwork staff and SHARE project coordinators. Centralised training ensures a standardised approach to interviewer work and interview implementation, communication with respondents and their family members, the administration of cognitive tests and health measurements, data entry, and more. According to SHARE’s international data quality control requirements, 10% of the interviews conducted by each interviewer are checked.

What does this mean for researchers?

Internationally comparable data are available for research on population ageing, health behaviours, social aspects, and related topics. Researchers can carry out comparative analyses between the Baltic States and other European countries. In addition, support for data use is provided – within the project, training sessions for researchers (data users) are planned, thereby strengthening scientific capacity in Latvia.

Access to SHARE data for scientific use is provided free of charge, in compliance with European Union and national data protection laws, as well as publicly available usage conditions. More information is available here.

More information about SHARE data collection in Latvia is available here.