International Journal of Epidemiology 2000;29:885-890
© International Epidemiological Association 2000
Is audio computer-assisted self-interviewing a feasible method of surveying in Zimbabwe?
a University of Zimbabwe, University of California at San Francisco Women's Health Program, Harare, Zimbabwe and the University of California at San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science. Present affiliation: The Population Council, New York.
b University of California at San Francisco, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
c Program in Health and Behavior Measurement, Research Triangle Institute, Washington, DC.
Reprint requests to: Dr Janneke van de Wijgert, The Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017. E-mail: jvandewijgert{at}popcouncil.org
Background Research into reproductive health is dependent on participants accurately reporting sensitive behaviours. We examined whether audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI), which increased sensitive behaviour reporting in the US, is a feasible method of surveying in developing countries.
Methods Zimbabwean women in three educational groups were surveyed about demographics and family planning using interviewer and ACASI modes. An exit survey was administered to elicit information about the participants' opinions and experiences using ACASI.
Results The majority of women (86%) preferred ACASI to interviewer mode. The reasons mentioned were always related to increased confidentiality and privacy. Ability to use ACASI and user preferences varied with educational level. More women with primary school or less education (53%) reported problems with computer use than women in the higher educational groups (10–12%). The percentage of women having perfect response concordance between ACASI and interviewer modes increased significantly with education (64%, 81%, and 84% respectively; Ptrend < 0.001).
Conclusions Use of ACASI may be more feasible in Zimbabwe and other developing countries than was originally thought, but ACASI programs should continue to be improved and tested in various countries and population groups.
Keywords ACASI, reproductive health, survey methodology, Zimbabwe
Accepted 11 April 2000
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