Implementation of Audio Computer-Assisted Interviewing Software in HIV/AIDS Research

Abstract

Computer assisted interviewing (CAI) has begun to play a more prominent role in HIV/AIDS prevention research. Despite the increased popularity of CAI, particularly audio computer assisted self-interviewing (ACASI), some research teams are still reluctant to implement ACASI technology due to lack of familiarity with the practical issues related to using these software packages. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of one particular ACASI software package, the Questionnaire Development System™ (QDS™), in several nursing and HIV/AIDS prevention research settings. We present acceptability and satisfaction data from two large-scale public health studies in which we have used QDS with diverse populations. We also address issues related to developing and programming a questionnaire, discuss practical strategies related to planning for and implementing ACASI in the field, including selecting equipment, training staff, and collecting and transferring data, and summarize advantages and disadvantages of computer assisted research methods.Within the past 20 years, computers have played a role in many phases of survey research, including instrument design, sampling, and data entry, coding, cleaning, and analysis. In recent years, survey instruments and questionnaires have become more complex, demanding increasingly advanced skills from interviewers (Couper, 2000). The use of computer-assisted interviewing (CAI) provides the means for the standardization of these complex interviews that may be difficult for live interviewers to administer because of the complexity of the questions and skip patterns. Researchers continue to transition to CAI in an effort to ease the burden of complex interviews on both interviewers and respondents and, later in the process, to facilitate data entry and management.Researchers have employed a variety of CAI programs, particularly, audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI), including those that are written in Visual Basic and programmed Erika Pluhar, PhD is the corresponding author: 1520 Clifton Road, NE SON 260, Atlanta, GA 30322, (404) 727-2988, epluha2@sph.emory.edu Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. In the ACASI format, questions are read to the participants using either a digitally recorded human voice or a text-to-speak computerized voice. Each participant hears exactly the same voice with the same accent reading the same instructions and questionnaire items presented with the same level of emotion and sensitivity. This feature of CAI provides the much-needed standardization required in interview ad...

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