Factors influencing the use of computer technology in the collection of clinical data in a predominantly African-American population.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the cognitive and demographic factors that affect the performance of a predominantly African-American population in the use of a computerized version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).


METHODS
Cross-sectional.


METHODS
University Medical Center and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.


METHODS
Forty-three healthy community-dwelling adults from a predominantly African-American Apostolic church; mean age +/- standard deviation 57 +/- 14 (range 29-83).


METHODS
Cognitive measurements (Mini-Mental State Examination, digits span, word list learning, letter number sequencing, executive interview, and clock-drawing task), education level, computer experience, and age. The CES-D was administered on three occasions: a paper form CES-D once and a computerized version twice. Time to completion the computer CES-D (Time 1), differential in time to completion of both computer tests (delta-time) and scores of the CES-D with both forms of administration were recorded.


RESULTS
There was no difference between the scores from the paper and the computer CES-D or between the two computer forms. Computer experience predicted Time 1 (partial correlation R = 15%, P =.017) and delta-time (partial correlation R = 10%, P =.048). Age, education, and cognitive function did not affect performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Computerized assessment techniques are valid and unaffected by age, education level, or cognitive factors in healthy individuals.
Izquierdo-Porrera
Anna Maria
AM
Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
Manchanda
Roopak
R
Powell
Claudia C
CC
Sorkin
John D
JD
Bradham
Douglas D
DD
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition; D003199:Computer Systems; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004493:Education; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012044:Regression Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires