Handheld computers for self-administered sensitive data collection: a comparative study in Peru.
BACKGROUND
Low-cost handheld computers (PDA) potentially represent an efficient tool for collecting sensitive data in surveys. The goal of this study is to evaluate the quality of sexual behavior data collected with handheld computers in comparison with paper-based questionnaires.


METHODS
A PDA-based program for data collection was developed using Open-Source tools. In two cross-sectional studies, we compared data concerning sexual behavior collected with paper forms to data collected with PDA-based forms in Ancon (Lima).


RESULTS
The first study enrolled 200 participants (18-29 years). General agreement between data collected with paper format and handheld computers was 86%. Categorical variables agreement was between 70.5% and 98.5% (Kappa: 0.43-0.86) while numeric variables agreement was between 57.1% and 79.8% (Spearman: 0.76-0.95). Agreement and correlation were higher in those who had completed at least high school than those with less education. The second study enrolled 198 participants. Rates of responses to sensitive questions were similar between both kinds of questionnaires. However, the number of inconsistencies (p = 0.0001) and missing values (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in paper questionnaires.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed the value of the use of handheld computers for collecting sensitive data, since a high level of agreement between paper and PDA responses was reached. In addition, a lower number of inconsistencies and missing values were found with the PDA-based system. This study has demonstrated that it is feasible to develop a low-cost application for handheld computers, and that PDAs are feasible alternatives for collecting field data in a developing country.
Bernabe-Ortiz
Antonio
A
School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. 03887@upch.edu.pe
Curioso
Walter H
WH
Gonzales
Marco A
MA
Evangelista
Wilfredo
W
Castagnetto
Jesus M
JM
Carcamo
Cesar P
CP
Hughes
James P
JP
Garcia
Patricia J
PJ
Garnett
Geoffrey P
GP
Holmes
King K
KK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D003626:Data Display; D005260:Female; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D010568:Peru; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014584:User-Computer Interface