Implementation of audio computer-assisted interviewing software in HIV/AIDS research.
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 because of lack of familiarity with the practical issues related to using these software packages. The purpose of this report is to describe the implementation of one particular ACASI software package, the Questionnaire Development System (QDS; Nova Research Company, Bethesda, MD), in several nursing and HIV/AIDS prevention research settings. The authors present acceptability and satisfaction data from two large-scale public health studies in which they have used QDS with diverse populations. They 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.
Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Erika
E
Pluhar
Marcia
M
McDonnell Holstad
Katherine A
KA
Yeager
Pamela
P
Denzmore-Nwagbara
Carol
C
Corkran
Bridget
B
Fielder
Frances
F
McCarty
Colleen
C
Diiorio
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003197:Computer Literacy; D016494:Computer Security; D003200:Computer User Training; D003219:Confidentiality; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011634:Public Health; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D012984:Software / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D014584:User-Computer Interface