Data Integrity Issues With Web-Based Studies:An Institutional Example of a Widespread Challenge

This paper reports on the growing issues experienced when conducting web-based-based research. Nongenuine participants,repeat responders, and misrepresentation are common issues in health research posing significant challenges to data integrity. Asummary of existing data on the topic and the different impacts on studies is presented. Seven case studies experienced by differentteams within our institutions are then reported, primarily focused on mental health research. Finally, strategies to combat thesechallenges are presented, including protocol development, transparent recruitment practices, and continuous data monitoring.These strategies and challenges impact the entire research cycle and need to be considered prior to, during, and post data collection.With a lack of current clear guidelines on this topic, this report attempts to highlight considerations to be taken to minimize theimpact of such challenges on researchers, studies, and wider research. Researchers conducting web-based research must putmitigating strategies in place, and reporting on mitigation efforts should be mandatory in grant applications and publications touphold the credibility of web-based research