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.
Williams
M L
ML
Behavioral Research Group, Houston, TX, USA. willianova@earthlink.net
Freeman
R C
RC
Bowen
A M
AM
Zhao
Z
Z
Elwood
W N
WN
Gordon
C
C
Young
P
P
Rusek
R
R
Signes
C A
CA
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