Acceptability and reliability of an adolescent risk behavior questionnaire administered with audio and computer support.
OBJECTIVE
To test acceptability and reliability of audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) system administered at the household level to gather data on risk behaviors among adolescents in Mexico.


METHODS
Answers to sensitive behavior-related questions obtained using ACASI systems were compared with answers to the same questions obtained through face-to-face interviews (FFIs). Focus groups were conducted to explore ACASI acceptability among adolescents and its feasibility in obtaining better self-reported data on sensitive behaviors.


RESULTS
ACASI was adolescents' preferred method for reporting risk behaviors, particularly sexual behavior, and did not pose greater challenges to respondents versus FFIs. Also, more risk behaviors were reported through ACASI versus FFIs.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of ACASI systems in disadvantaged households to obtain data on adolescent risk behavior is not only feasible but may also improve data quality in the case of complex questionnaires, compared with FFIs, and should therefore be considered as an alternative survey method.
Gutiérrez
Juan Pablo
JP
Division of Health Economics, National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Cuernavaca, Mexico.
Torres-Pereda
Pilar
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult