Perceptions on using interactive voice response surveys for non-communicable disease risk factors in Uganda: a qualitative exploration

Abstract

Background: Decision-makers need up to date information on risk factors for effective prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Currently available surveys are infrequent and costly to implement. The objective of the study was to explore perceptions on using an interactive voice response (IVR) survey for data collection on NCD risk factors.Methods: Five focus group discussions (FGDs), including rural and urban, elderly and young adults, male and female groups; and eleven key informant interviews (KIIs) of researchers and NCD policy makers were conducted. Respondents were audio recorded and data were transcribed into text. Data were entered into QDA miner software for analysis. Meaningful units were generated and then merged into codes and categories. Quotes are presented highlighting findings.Results: At the individual level, age, gender, disability, past experience and being technology literate were perceived as key determinants on whether respondents would accept an IVR survey. Receiving the IVR at a time at which people are usually available to take calls increases participation. However, technological accessibility like presence of a mobile network signal and possession of mobile phones were critical for use of IVR. Participants recommended that community sensitization activities be provided, IVR be conducted at appropriate times and frequency, and that incentives may improve survey participation.Conclusions: IVR has the potential to quickly collect data from a wide geographic scope. However, caution needs to be taken to ensure that certain categories of people are not excluded because of their location, ability, age or gender. Sensitization prior to the survey, proper timing and structured incentives could increase participation.

Adaptation of a mobile phone health survey for risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in Colombia: a qualitative study

“…Intensive information dissemination to generate trust in the survey through other media channels was frequently mentioned by participants including the provision of a contact number and website link to confirm the information provided, learn more about the study or even complain about the survey's experience. Using additional media platforms (television, radio, newspapers) leading up the IVR launch or providing a contact number for the user was also proposed in several studies in Uganda aiming to adequately sensitize communities and mitigate distrust caused by phone calls from unknown numbers [3,11,12]. Other research has identified Colombia as one of the countries where more women than men have reported apprehension towards harassment and security issues (theft or fraud) as principal barriers to mobile phone ownership and usage.…”

“…For these reasons, alternative strategies to enhance the timeliness and reduce the cost of health surveys are needed. One potential solution is to use mobile phone technology, which could reduce implementation and personnel costs and has the potential to provide reliable estimates given widespread coverage [ 1 – 3 ].…”

Improving success of non-communicable diseases mobile phone surveys: Results of two randomized trials testing interviewer gender and message valence in Bangladesh and Uganda

“…Cognitive understanding and usability were initially tested at Johns Hopkins University, with persons who identified as being from a low- or middle-income country setting [ 33 ]. A series of key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and user groups were conducted in each country, and feedback was used to refine and adapt the questionnaire and deployment to the country context [ 34 ]. Audio files of the questionnaire were tested at the country level prior to survey deployment to ensure that translations and recordings were comprehensible.…”

The feasibility and acceptability of a task-shifted intervention for perinatal depression among women living with HIV in Malawi: a qualitative analysis

“…Records were not maintained on daily clinic attendance, and we were therefore unable to estimate the proportion of clinic attendees who consented to be screened with the EPDS. However, studies have shown that sensitization (i.e., providing information about the study before inviting participation) can result in high levels of voluntary participation [ 41 , 42 ]. In total, 73 perinatal WLHIV consented to complete the depression screening across the five clinics, and 24 (33%) WLHIV scored 10 or greater on the EPDS.…”