A comparison of the reliability of self-reported drug use and sexual behaviors using computer-assisted versus face-to-face interviewing.
The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of responses to HIV risk behavior questions obtained using a voice-enhanced, computer-administered self-interview (audio-CASI) system with touch-screen response compared with those obtained via face-to-face interviews administered by trained and experienced interviewers. Additionally, the study assessed bias that may be attributable to an audio-CASI data collection format. The design of the study was a four-group crossover design with random assignment to one of four study conditions: (a) audio-CASI interview at both intake and retest, (b) face-to-face interview at both intake and retest, (c) audio-CASI interview at intake and face-to-face interview at retest, and (d) face-to-face interview at intake and audio-CASI interview at retest. The study was conducted with a sample of drug users at risk for HIV infection interviewed in nonclinical settings. Data were collected at intake and 48 hours after intake. Analyses show that data obtained using voice-enhanced computer interviewing with touch-screen response are reliable and are comparable to data obtained using interviewer administered face-to-face interviews. However, bias was found to be associated with data collection format and may be partially attributable to the complexity of the questionnaire.
Behavioral Research Group, Houston, TX, USA. willianova@earthlink.net
M L
ML
Williams
R C
RC
Freeman
A M
AM
Bowen
Z
Z
Zhao
W N
WN
Elwood
C
C
Gordon
P
P
Young
R
R
Rusek
C A
CA
Signes
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003201:Computers; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000652:urine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013637:Tape Recording / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods