Understanding Society: The UK Households Longitudinal Study is a large-scale annual study that started in 2009. After Waves 2 and 3, a sub-sample of the study participants received a nurse visit to collect a range of biomeasures. In 2024, we launched Wave 16 of the study, which was also a biomeasure wave. Whilst starting as face-to-face, the study has shifted to a mixed-mode survey that uses web, face-to-face, and telephone interviewing. The move towards a mixed-mode survey, with more participants completing their annual interview online, required us to develop new methods of collecting biomeasures for Wave 16.

This presentation describes development and testing process that influenced the design of Wave 16. It covers a range of experiments using the Understanding Society Innovation Panel and the pilot for Wave 16. It includes the comparison of eliciting biomeasures from those who complete online with those who are interviewed in-person by a field interviewer or a nurse. We have tested the use of two apps to measure (i) body volume, and (ii) spatial awareness as a potential early sign of dementia. We have also tested the collection of biomarkers using dried blood spots, capillary blood, and a stool sample to collect microbiome. We investigated both the uptake of different protocols and measurement errors.

Wave 16 of the study launched in January 2024, and will continue until May 2026. As well as presenting information about the development and protocol of Wave 16, we will also present some early results on the take-up and return of biomarker samples.